Murree residents face firewood crisis

MURREE:

The continued failure of the Forest Department to provide government-subsidised firewood has left vulnerable households in considerable distress.

Traditionally, ahead of the winter snowfall, the Government of Punjab supplied rural communities with subsidised firewood; however, no such provision has been made for the past four years.

Large parts of Murree remain in the grip of severe cold, and in those union councils (UCs) prone to heavy snowfall, the customary annual allocation of low-cost firewood is yet to materialise. Consequently, residents are facing acute difficulties as temperatures continue to plummet.

Local communities have called for the immediate restoration of the subsidised firewood supply to their UCs, emphasising that timely assistance is essential to alleviate the hardships of the harsh winter months.

Residents have appealed directly to the government, urging them to ensure the prompt delivery of firewood.