DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Forest Department, in collaboration with the district police, has launched an operation to reclaim forest land in Beit Esanwala along the banks of the river Indus.

The operation, initiated under the directives of the Punjab government, aims to eliminate encroachments and restore forest areas to their natural state.

The district forest officer, along with senior police officials, supervised the operation, which began on Thursday.

Government machinery, including tractors, have been deployed to destroy illegally- cultivated crops such as wheat and sugarcane on several acres of encroached land. Earlier, during a recent meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, chaired by the Special Secretary of the Forest Department, Secretary Forest South Punjab (Captain Retired) Rana Rizwan emphasized the government’s commitment to reclaiming encroached forest land.

He stated that all pending cases regarding forest land would be resolved promptly, and efforts to protect and expand forest cover would begin soon .

However, local farmers affected by the operation have expressed concerns. They claim the land in question was cultivated due to the absence of clear boundary lines marking forest land.Khadim Hussain Khar, an activist of the Sindhu Bachao Tarla organization, pleaded for balanced approach.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2024