DERA GHAZI KHAN: A fire allegedly made by poachers to harvest forest honey has caused considerable damage to trees and plants in the internationally-recognised wetland – Ramsar site in Lashariwala Wildlife Sanctuary – near Taunsa Barrage.

Lashariwala Forest, a vital part of the local ecosystem, is located upstream Taunsa Barrage along the river Indus.

The forest, spanning 5,000 acres, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various species of wild animals, and migratory birds.

Despite the government’s efforts to protect the forest, illegal activities, including farming, tree cutting and poaching, have been continuing in the forest area.

The fire reportedly broke out when individuals attempted to harvest honey by making controlled fire to use the smoke to disperse bees. However, the fire got out of control and spread in a part of the forest, destroying beehives and killing bees, besides damaging trees and plants.

Local environmental activists’ groups, such as the Sindhu Bachao Tarla, have expressed concerns over the long-term environmental damage caused by such fires.

They said such activities also contribute to smog, urging immediate action by the forest department and district administration of Kot Addu.

They warned of protest if the authorities failed to address this issue, that was harming the forest’s fragile ecosystem.

cylinder bast: A senior doctor died on Monday in an LPG cylinder blast occurring in a medical store at Kotla Dewan in Jampur tehsil of Rajanpur district.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, the blast occurred in the wee hours, claiming the life of Dr Ejaz Ahmed (60).

On receiving the information a Rescue 1122 team reached the spot and controlled the fire caused by the blast.

However, the officials said, the Dr Ejaz had already succumbed to his injuries when the rescuers reached the spot.

His body was shifted to the Jampur Tehsil Headquarters Hospital.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the cylinder explosion.

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2024