A local government area in Bauchi State has introduced measures to curb the menace of tree felling.
The caretaker committee chairman of Ganjuwa Local Government Area, Dr. Alqassim Ibrahim, said tree felling is among major impediments in the fight against environmental degradation and deforestation.
He said five people were recently arrested by vigilantes at Gidan Waya over felling of trees for charcoal production, thereby causing environmental degradation.
Dr. Ibrahim said the council has given much attention to curbing the menace in all the communities, adding that the council has strongly warned against indiscriminate felling of trees in the forests.
The caretaker chairman added that the council has also set up a committee to sensitise and create awareness among the general public on the dangers of cutting down trees which, he said, deprived the forests of portions of their canopy that was a major component of environmental protection.
“This disruption leads to more extreme temperature swings that can be harmful to plants and animals,” he warned.
According Ibrahim, trees are noted for playing a critical role in absorbing the greenhouse gases that fuel global warming.
He identified growing urban sprawl, agricultural activities, and logging for commercial purposes, as factors for indiscriminate felling of trees for charcoal usage, wood and timber.