Valuable wood is being cut from Lashariwala forest. Photo: Express
MUZAFFARGARH:
The rampant cutting of shrubs, trees, and timber for crop cultivation is severely reducing wildlife habitats in Lashariwala jungle and causing significant environmental damage.
The human interference has badly affected wildlife, exposing animals to food shortage, said Khadim Hussain, a volunteer of the environmental organisation, Sindhu Bachao Tehreek, on Sunday.
He regretted that unchecked deforestation, along with a lack of proper oversight by the wildlife department, has caused a substantial decline in forest cover and natural food for animals.
As a result, animals are increasingly entering human settlements in search of food.
The volunteer referred to an incident that had occurred a couple of months ago, when three deer were killed by locals after straying into populated areas.
He added that Lashariwala jungle, located near Taunsa Barrage, is legally protected under environmental laws, but locals continue to cut trees to cultivate land, seemingly unaware of the environmental consequences and threats to wildlife.
The volunteer appealed to authorities to ensure the protection of the remaining forest area.
The rapid cutting of shrubs, trees and timber for agricultural expansion is severely degrading wildlife habitats in the jungle, causing significant environmental damage, local sources said.
