A Karachi resident recently filed a petition in the Sindh High Court highlighting a significant issue: influential figures have encroached on 24,000 acres of forest land in Gambat Subhadero, Sindh.
The legal action illuminates the extensive illegal occupation and misuse of forested areas, emphasizing the need for urgent judicial intervention to address the exploitation of these vital environmental resources.
Details emerged when a Karachi resident filed a miscellaneous petition in the Sindh High Court, accusing powerful individuals of using the forest land for agricultural purposes and reaping significant profits. The petition targets the Forest Department and other relevant authorities for their roles in this encroachment.
Read: Rare Whale Shark Spotted Near Karachi’s Charna Island
In response, the court has issued notices to the Forest Department and the implicated parties, demanding a comprehensive report from the Secretary of Law and Forests. It also warned that it would issue a formal order if the next hearing reports no progress.
The Forest and Wildlife Department Secretary appeared in court for the hearing. The court ordered the Secretary to implement measures to clear the encroachments and recommended enlisting help from the Rangers and the Session Judge. The court noted that regions like Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have already set up dedicated forces to protect forest lands.
Furthermore, the Secretary disclosed that legislative amendments are in progress to create a similar forest protection force in Sindh.
