An environmentalist, Mr Umar Ado, on Thursday urged the Jigawa State Government to ban tree felling, to discourage deforestation in the state.
Ado made the call in an interview, in Hadejia, Jigawa State.
The environmentalist also called for the adoption of proactive measures to encourage the development of alternative energy sources to reduce dependence on firewood as a source of fuel.
He said that the measure was imperative in view of the quantum of destruction of forest resources through tree felling.
Ado condemned the indiscriminate felling of trees at Baturiya Forest by wood cutters, noting that the trend posed a serious threat to the environment.
He listed the consequences of tree felling to include extinction of wildlife, desert encroachment, flood, soil erosion and climate imbalance.
“It is necessary to enforce compliance with the ban on cutting of trees, to control depletion of forest resources and protect the environment.
“The state and local governments should encourage tree planting and the protection of the forest resources in their respective areas.”
Ado advised governments at all levels to initiate sound programmes to promote tree planting as a culture in the society.
He suggested the introduction of bio-gas technologies and other environment-friendly energy sources, to reduce dependence on firewood among families in rural communities.
The environmentalist lauded the state government for clearing the weeds on Hadejia River, adding that the gesture would enhance effective utilisation of the water resources. (NAN)