Sukkur: Serious concerns have emerged over the alleged large-scale cutting of hundreds of valuable government-owned trees along the Rohri-Saleh Pat Road and the banks of Garkano Wah in Sukkur district, with citizens demanding answers regarding approvals, official records, and the disposal of timber.
According to informed sources, several decades-old trees, including Tari, Neem, and Babool, were allegedly cut down using heavy machinery under the pretext of road repair and development work. Sources claimed that the removed timber was transported through tractors and trailers to unknown locations, reportedly passing in front of the Patni Police Check Post.
The sources further alleged that personnel deployed at the police check post remained silent spectators during the transportation of the timber, while no action was reportedly taken by Dabir Police Station regarding the alleged cutting activity. The role of relevant departments, including the Irrigation Department and Roads Department, has also come under question as residents claim that the cutting continued for several days.
Local residents have raised several questions regarding the legality of the operation. They asked that if the cutting of trees was carried out according to official procedures, then which department granted permission for it? They also demanded details about the number of trees removed, the auction process, and the official record related to the sale or disposal of the timber.
Citizens have further questioned whether the revenue generated from the sale of the wood was deposited into the government treasury or not. These issues have become a topic of discussion among local communities, who are demanding transparency and accountability from the concerned authorities.
Residents of the area said that the trees along the Rohri-Saleh Pat Road and Garkano Wah were not only public assets but also played an important role in environmental protection. They provided shade to travelers, helped reduce the intensity of heat, and contributed to maintaining ecological balance in the region.
According to locals, the removal of such a large number of trees has caused significant environmental damage, particularly at a time when rising temperatures and climate change have increased the importance of green cover.
Citizens have appealed to the Sindh Government, Irrigation Department, Works and Services Department, Forest Department, and district administration to conduct a high-level inquiry into the matter.
They demanded that if the trees were removed legally, all relevant approvals, records, and details of the timber disposal process should be made public. However, if any irregularities, negligence, or corruption are found, strict action should be taken against those responsible.
The residents emphasized that government property belongs to the public and any loss to national assets must be properly investigated. They called for accountability to ensure protection of natural resources and prevent unauthorized cutting of trees in the future.
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