Residents of Tirah Valley have called on the government to urgently intervene to stop rising deforestation in the region, warning that unchecked tree cutting is damaging the environment and increasing disaster risks.
Community members said illegal logging has picked up in the upper and lower parts of the valley over the last few months. They allege that groups are cutting pine and oak trees and moving timber out of the area, mostly during late hours.
Malik Rehmat Gul a tribal elder from Tirah, said the loss of forest cover is already being felt. “Our mountains are becoming bare. With the heavy rains this season, we fear more landslides and floods. The government must send forest staff and stop this smuggling immediately.”
Naz Afridi, a local teacher, said the impact is hitting families directly. “We used to get clean drinking water from the streams and wood for cooking. Now the streams are drying and the hills look empty. If this continues our children will have no future here.”
Youth representative Imran Shinwari said residents have complained to local officials several times but seen little action. “We need check posts, patrols and strict fines. Deforestation is not just about trees, it’s about our water, our land and our safety.”
Environmental experts note that forests in Tirah help prevent soil erosion and regulate water flow, which is critical during KP’s monsoon season. With flash floods and landslides already reported across the province, locals say protecting Tirah’s green cover has become even more urgent.
The community has appealed to the district administration and the Forest Department to launch a crackdown on illegal timber cutting, set up monitoring in vulnerable areas, and involve village councils in protection efforts.
Read also:Deforestation Puts KP at Greater Risk of Floods, Landslides
