DERA GHAZI KHAN: Widespread cutting of Riverine Vegetation along the Indus River’s floodplain by brick kiln operators has sparked serious concern among local communities, who warn that the activity is destroying wildlife habitats and traditional grazing grounds in Dera Ghazi Khan.
Residents say the River Indus expands up to 15–20 kilometres in width during the summer, allowing dense growth of wild grasses, reeds, shrubs and other indigenous plants across its riverine belts. These green tracts serve as critical winter habitats for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, while also functioning as grazing fields for livestock herded by local communities.
However, following the government’s recent ban on using wheat straw, rice stubble and cotton sticks as kiln fuel, several brick kilns have allegedly turned to the riverine zones to meet their fuel needs. Locals claim kiln owners are now cutting large swathes of koondar, sarkanda and similar natural shrubs — often with mechanical choppers — and transporting the material to kiln sites.
Local farmer Ata Muhammad Baloch described the trend as “ruthless clearing” of ecologically vital areas. “This mafia is destroying natural habitats and grazing land, putting wildlife at serious risk and disturbing the ecological balance,” he said.
Activity Reported Across Multiple Riverine Areas
Residents report that the cutting is taking place in several Kot Chutta tehsil locations, including Patti Imam Bakhsh, Bhindi Suleman Shah and Noor Pur. They allege that certain criminal elements in the area are facilitating what they describe as a “mafia”, enabling unrestricted activity in these environmentally sensitive zones.
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The community has urged the Environment Protection Department and the Dera Ghazi Khan district administration to intervene immediately, halt the destruction of natural vegetation and initiate strict action against those involved.
Administration Seeks Forest Department Report
When contacted, Dera Ghazi Khan Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid confirmed that the district administration had taken notice of the issue. He said he had requested a detailed report from the Forest Department to determine the extent of the activity.
Dera Ghazi Khan residents claim kiln owners use this vegetation as fuel after the ban on the use of wheat straw, rice stubble, and cotton sticks.https://t.co/A4dEqrjOza
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“If this cutting is being carried out on government-owned land, strict action will be taken against the violators,” he stated.
Local environmental activists argue that the unchecked removal of vegetation could lead to long-term ecological consequences, including the loss of breeding grounds for wildlife, disruption of migratory bird patterns and reduced grazing resources for rural communities that depend on the riverine ecosystem.
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