CHARSADDA: A horrific fire that has been raging in the mountain ranges of Parang Ghar Tehsil of Mohmand district for the past three days has engulfed a vast area.
According to local sources, the fire started from the foot of the mountain and spread to the peaks in no time, reducing valuable trees and herbs worth millions of rupees to ashes.
Locals say they repeatedly informed the district administration and Rescue 1122 as soon as the fire broke out, but no rescue team has reached the scene yet, citing difficult roads and lack of resources.
”We are trying to extinguish the fire with our own help using branches and soil, but the flames are so high that it is impossible to get close,” a local resident said.
The fire has spread heavy smoke in the area, causing respiratory diseases. The fodder reserves of livestock on the mountains have been reduced to ashes, while the habitats of many rare birds and wild animals have also disappeared.
On the one hand, the provincial government makes global claims of environmental protection through projects like “Green Pakhtunkhwa” and “Billion Tree Tsunami”, on the other hand, the ground realities look the opposite.
Claims that there are special units for forest fires. No government team has reached the spot despite the passage of three days.
The government Claims to give top priority to the environment are just hollow slogans.Precious forests are burning but the administration is inactive.
Environmentalists said that there are dozens of fire incidents in the mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa every year, but the government still lacks “air firefighting” (fire extinguishing by helicopter) or modern equipment for mountainous areas.
The Parang mountain incident raises questions about the government’s claims that it is ready to deal with climate change.
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