Timber mafia is behind the fire breakouts in Khyber PakhtunKhwa jungles adversely damaging naturally grown Forests and Ranges in Khyber PakhtunKhwa turning green mountains into ashes, Citizens Voice research team disclosed after dayslong research in Siren Valley, Shinkiari, JabbarDevli, Devli, Buggarmang Mundi due to slackness on the part of KPK Forest Department.
Fires break out with the complete connivance of black sheep present in forest department after provision of handsome amount in cash, a local resident with condition of anonymity disclosed.
Deodar, Pine, Kel, Partal, Timber, Dyar and walnut jungles are put under fire and transferred in complete darkness during the late-night hours causing heavy losses to national exchequer, he added.
Trucks are cut with electric cutters and saws and are removed through complete mutual understanding of Timber mafia and forest officials who have become billionaire in a very short span of time.
Meanwhile trees and herbal weeds are also removed in the same way causing heavy damage to national wealth through deforestation. Locals also know the whereabouts of timber mafia, but they remain silent due to highhandedness on the part of timber mafia.
Deforestation is also the main cause of land sliding because rainwater peculates deep into the soil thereby collectively damaging the green vegetation cover indirectly damaging the trade, business and tourism due to land sliding resulting in disconnection with main cities.
Everyone know the culprits behind this heinous activity but due to threats and highhandedness of timber mafia everyone has restricted himself to silent spectator, he concluded.
Forest covers and tree wealth is decreasing every day due to minor profits. Hundred times more money can enter into national economy if this timber is exported through its value addition into furniture to Unted States, Canada, Europe, Gulf and Arab countries.
