SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region – During summer and autumn, villagers in Tazade, Chwarta district, begin collecting firewood to prepare for the harsh winter. They are mindful of local laws, emphasizing that cutting down live trees is a crime with legal consequences. Only pruning and cutting dead trees are permitted.
Residents say they only use dead or dry branches as firewood. “We love our trees and do not allow anyone to cut them down, except for necessary pruning,” a villager shared. However, due to severe winters, they are often compelled to gather firewood, as the government-provided oil — usually just one or two barrels — is insufficient.
The Sulaimani Forest and Environment Police Directorate reports that 67 people have been arrested for illegal tree-cutting and 47 for starting fires in the last seven months. Hemin Kamarkhan, the spokesperson, stated, “Those who illegally cut down trees face legal consequences.” He also says fines start at 5 million dinars for trees over 100 years old, and offenders must plant ten saplings for every tree cut.
Some villagers in Sulaimani's mountainous areas are cutting down trees to stay warm in winter amid rising fuel costs. The forestry police have warned of severe penalties for those caught.
Reporting by Ako Amin/ Zoom News pic.twitter.com/FyaXTRl8Wd
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