News Desk
The renowned Ziarat Valley, famous for its ancient juniper forests, is witnessing the unchecked felling of these precious trees. Dozens of trees are being cut down indiscriminately and used for fuel, putting the world’s second-largest juniper forest, and the largest in Asia, at serious risk.
The deforestation in Ziarat has raised critical questions about the role of the institutions responsible for forest conservation. Despite substantial funding allocated annually for the protection of these forests, leading to a lack of effective forest management.
The juniper forests in Ziarat, considered a national heritage, are facing a slow but steady destruction. These trees, which grow only an inch per year, are being decimated at an alarming rate. The onset of winter sees an increase in this illegal logging as evidenced by the felling of dozens of trees.
Additionally, areas such as Chutair ,Kawas ,Zandra and surrounding in Ziarat due to unavailability of Gas are also being targeted for logging, where there is no visible presence of government authority. The situation is dire, considering that the scenic juniper forests attract hundreds of thousands of tourists annually to Ziarat Valley.
The failure of the Deputy Conservator of Forests in Ziarat to protect these forests has highlighted the need for a diligent officer who can effectively enforce conservation efforts. Moreover, it is noteworthy that the Conservator of Sibi Division has also been unable to visit Ziarat, further indicating a lack of oversight and commitment to preserving this critical ecological and national asset.
Urgent and decisive action is required to safeguard the juniper forests of Ziarat before they are lost forever.
