Murree, Galyat forests under threat as fire continues to spread

The widespread destruction brought by forest fires in Muzaffarabad and Galyat running through the jungle poses a great threat to the environment and local communities.

So far, three houses have been reduced to ashes, with countless other trees, shrubs, and wildlife consumed by flames and fire in the forests. Old-timers tell that fires are more prone to start in these hilly regions, and such actions taken on emergency grounds by the governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can save the future of some very well-known tourist attractions.

Ever since the fire started, they have carried on into the day and have easily been visible, sending up a huge plume of smoke, and at night the smell and sounds of flames engulfed the forest. Wildlife, and birds stand death at the very unfortunate conception.

In their devastating wake, two houses were set ablaze in the village of Nambley Maira Cham in Galyat, one being a full house in the Mallot Sattian area of Murree district, further reducing a foul situation. The situation keeps turning from bad to worse, thus demanding immediate intervention.

The Murree district administration, alongside the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab, has held a consultation meeting with the local community to discuss the matter and possible solutions.

Scheduled to take place at 10 am immediately after at the Patriata chairlift parking, this event will provide an opportunity for the stakeholders to present their views and come up with a plan to stop the ravaging forest fires from recurring ever again.

It marks a significant step forward in responding to this crisis, and it is age-critical that all parties concerned be involved in reaching a solution.