DEFORESTATION AMONG MAN-MADE FACTORS
Man-made factors have contributed to Pakistan’s climate-induced problems, according to experts.
In the southeastern province of Sindh, for instance, deforestation has been rampant for decades and eroded the surrounding region’s ability to withstand extreme rainfall.
Environmental researcher David Fugazza from the University of Milan pointed to evidence that with climate change, the intensity of monsoon rains has increased over the years.
“If there is no proper land management, these devastating rains can cause floods,” he stressed.
To increase its green cover on the ground, the Sindh provincial government has implemented strict measures.
Forest guards now regularly patrol the Pai Forest area, which has suffered illegal land grabs and large-scale logging to make way for agriculture.
Mr Ramiz Raja, assistant commissioner of the Sakrand Division in Sindh’s Nawabshah city, noted that the Pai Forest – which is a reserved forest – has now banned the cutting down of trees.
“We have established a nursery from where we get the plants and plant them,” he said, referring to reforestation efforts.
