Maryam Majeed Mughal Advocate
The negative effects of global warming are increasing in different parts of the world which is visible to all. The ice is slowly melting. People in the field of environmental science and geology are well aware of the serious problems facing the planet and the threats to our planet, all living things on it, due to the serious problems of the natural environment.
At a conference in the year 20-21, experts and scientists distributed open letters to the conference participants and mentioned the serious dangers and concerns, among them global warming, climate change, ground air and water pollution, acid rain, increasing population in urban areas. Other problems include destruction of ozone layer, rising sea levels, blizzards, droughts, malnutrition, hunger, famine and deforestation and the negative effects of wildfire.
In the 60’s, John F. Candy said, “Man is responsible for most of our problems and sufferings. Man must solve these problems himself.”
What writers wants to draw attention to through her small effort is the damage and negative effects of deforestation and wildfire
In the face of growing environmental issues, there are now more than 350 governmental and non-governmental environmental organizations around the world working on greenhouse gases, wildlife conservation, forest conservation, tree planting and Working to raise awareness among the public about the protection of the natural environment.
The United Nations Environment Program emphasizes the importance of promoting tree planting.
Every year March 21 is celebrated as World Forest Day. This year March 21 is celebrated in the name of “Forest and Sustainable Production and Consumption”.
Under this theme its an important opportunity to highlight the important role of forests. Forests around the world are under great pressure. According to the 6th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), forests are under serious threat. It also provides sustainable economical support to millions of people around the world. The risk of wildfires is increasing over time. The UNEP has called on the governments to immediately reconsider their position on forest fires. In the last few days, reports of forest fires have been received in different parts of Pakistan. In the Forest
of Musa khel Sherani, fires had been spread to 30 square kilometers. while the forests of Azad Kashmir have been engulfed in fire every year for the past several years.
Every conscious human being is well aware of the importance and value of forests and also knows how important role forests are play in the natural resources of any country.
The State of Jammu and Kashmir consists mostly of forests. The United States of Jammu and Kashmir was taken exemplary measures for the protection and development of forests under the Dogra regime. The Forest Department was established and during this period also have taken historic steps. But in the now divided state of Jammu and Kashmir there are still forest departments but the condition of these sectors is very poor and depressing. If we talk about Azad Kashmir then at the time of partition of 1947, 40% of this area was surrounded by forests but now this area is only 10%.
Forests are at the mercy of the jungle mafia or those who burn forests in the process of eradicating dry weeds and grass. Like every year, fires were started in most parts of Azad Kashmir this year including Kotli, Sahansa, Darlian Jattan, Nakiyal, Eshqiali, Barali, Chngpur khawas, Saharmandi Shakiali, Panag Sharif Holar, Tenda Kalah, Mirpur etc.
District Kotli’s only timber depot at Sahansa was burnt to ashes on 17-05-22. Three local houses and a nearby hotel were also damaged. The fire spread so much that the road had to be blocked for transportation.
The so-called government here is singing the tune of green and skilled Kashmir, but after deforestation, the forest mafia sets fire to cover up its activities or the locals perform this duty.
When the flames of forest fire speak to the sky, the heat also increases exponentially. Wildlife is burnt mercilessly.
According to a hadith, on a journey, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw a group of ants which had been burnt by the Sihaabah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: It is not permissible to punish anyone except the owner of the fire means except Allah.
It also shows an example of empathy for ants.
According to a hadith, when a bird died, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) knelt down and offered condolences to its younger.
Many such Hadith’s and Qur’anic verses give us examples of the kind treatment of animals.
When forests are set on fire, many kinds of animals and birds burn to ashes, but no one fears God.
A variety of valuable herbs are also found in the forests of Jammu and Kashmir .
GM Mir writes in his book “Geographical Facts of Jammu and Kashmir” that the region of Jammu and Kashmir is very fortunate in terms of herbal production. Here in the Himalayas and other mountain ranges, forests and plains are scattered step by step treasures of valuable herbs that have been successfully used in indigenous medicine for centuries.
But people who are unaware of the characteristics and benefits of these forests, for their personal interests and purposes, make the forest an ornament of flames.
In the Dogra period, carrying matches or lit the cigarettes and passing through the forests was also prohibited, and those who did not respect this law were punished. Today the forests of Azad Kashmir Have become inheritors.
The military camps, the jungle mafia, the general public and the local civil administration are involved in its destruction.
It is narrated from Hazrat Anas (r.a) that Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that if the Hour comes in a state where one of you has a plant in his hand and if possible he should plant it before getting up. In summer, many people come to Azad Kashmir not only from Pakistan but also from foreign countries for sightseeing. In such a situation, wildfire are by no means good for tourism in Kashmir. If we do not understand the importance of forests, not only will we face deforestation in the years to come, but we will also experience a decrease in rainfall and extremely hot weather.
Every year in Azad Kashmir, summer starts with forest fires and the forest department is just a silent spectator.
for them the only way to put out the fire is to pray or wait for the rain.
The Forest Department has appointed guards for each forest and their salaries are fixed in lacs but Theirs performance is negligible except for a few.
The Azad Kashmir government should pay attention to this serious issue. In Kotli Azad Kashmir there are three ministries at present who are Malik Zafar Sahib, Ansar Abdali Sahib’s ministry and in Sahansa Finance Minister Chaudhry Akhlaq Sahib but no one is paying attention to this. It is very unfortunate that the authorities should take notice and improve the performance of the forest department otherwise this problem will get worse day by day which is worrying and at the same time the people should take responsibility for the protection of forests. Strict action should be taken against them so that the beautiful forests of this region of the state can be saved.