Wildfires ravage Abbottabad's forests

ABBOTTABAD:

Forest fires in the upper regions of Abbottabad, including Galyat, Nathiagali, Thandiani, Ayubia, and Khanpur, have become an escalating issue, drawing increasing concern from residents and environmental experts alike. Despite the growing frequency of these fires, local authorities and relevant departments have largely remained silent, raising doubts about their competence and accountability in addressing the crisis.

Over the past month, these fires have resulted in the destruction of homes and significant harm to rare wildlife. Local residents suspect the involvement of a criminal network exploiting the area's natural resources for profit, while authorities continue to fall short in enforcing regulations.

According to Assistant Divisional Forest Officer (ADFO) Sardar Farhad, human negligence is a major factor behind the fires. Common causes include unattended campfires left by tourists and the burning of crop remains by farmers. With dry weather conditions and strong winds, these fires spread rapidly, endangering both settlements and wildlife.

In the latest incident, a large fire broke out in Ayubia and Khanspur, fueled by dense vegetation. Despite the recurring nature of these fires, the district administration has not implemented effective preventive measures. Rescue 1122 teams were dispatched to the affected areas, but due to inaccessible roads, they had to hike on foot to reach the site.