Metro
Kwara moves against illegal tree-felling for charcoal
The Kwara State Government has again warned charcoal dealers to desist from illegal felling of trees for the production of charcoal or face the full wrath of the law.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Mallam Shehu Ndanusa Usman revealed this during the ongoing enforcement exercise against unlawful charcoal production in the State.
According to him, “the major cause of deforestation is logging which is second to shifting cultivation, imposing a great number of negative impacts on species or products from the forest. It also has general effects on the inhabitants of the environment, ranging from socio-economic impact to health hazards”, he said.
The Commissioner explained further that deforestation has negative impacts on the climate, warning that if not curbed it could affect food production, lead to air and water pollution, as well as impact negatively on the attainment of a healthy environment.
He however, informed the public that the transportation of charcoal by cars within the state for domestic use is still allowed but those transporting by lorries to other states will be confiscated in line with the Environmental laws of Kwara State.
He therefore warned violators to stop deforestation in Kwara State and join hands with the state government to eradicate illegal felling of trees to sustain a clean and healthy environment for kwarans.
The Commissioner disclosed that more than ten heavy duty lorries were impounded during the enforcement exercise.
Yakub .K. Aliagan,
Press Secretary
Ministry of Environment
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