RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): Like the rest of the world, Azad Kashmir is dealing with the challenges of climate change.
However, in an incredible achievement by Hasnain Tanveer-a temporary forest ranger of the village Chatrota Mandhol-in Battal Sector of the ceasefire line in Azad Kashmir-has turned fallow lands into a lush green forest with a lot of determination in the last four years.
He has worked tirelessly to promote tree plantation while fighting off the heat in his area. His efforts have not only made it beautiful but also highlighted the importance of preserving forests in the face of climate change.
This year’s drought in Azad Kashmir burned down forests aiding in the destruction of this precious natural resource. Combating the spread of forest fires was severely undermined by a lack of up-to-date equipment and trained personnel, calling for the setting up of a task force specifically for the protection of the forest.
In the opinion of Hasnain Tanveer, if a reliable team of young people was assembled at the government level, they could not only assist in saving the forests but also help preserve the natural beauty of the state.
He insisted that it is the responsibility of each occupant of the state to assist in the enhancement of the forest and make it green and luxuriate and that citizens should plant trees to fight climate change.
Given Hasnain Tanveer’s successes, they seem to stand out in light of the niggling problems he faces: shelling by India and climate change. He has been guided through the years with clear objectives by senior officers from the Forest Department and the populace, and he proposes the regularization of all guards in the government.
