PAKISTAN WOODS FLOODS

Wood-scarce Kashmiris turn to flooded rivers for fuel amidst rising prices

epa10766188 Kashmiris collect tree logs for firewoods in flooded Jhelum river in Neelum valley, Pakistani administered Kashmir, 23 July 2023 (issued 24 July 2023). In the face of soaring firewood prices and a ban on cutting down green forests, residents in Kashmir are resorting to collecting wood from flooded rivers as an alternative fuel source. With handmade nets, locals in Pakistani administerd Kashmir's Neelum valley brave the waters of the River Jhelum to catch wood floating downstream. Despite the ban imposed by the Forest Department, the shortage of wood, poverty, and lack of alternative fuel options drive Kashmiris to search for wood in the rivers. The flooded rivers have presented an opportunity for some families to construct houses, while the Forest Department faces mounting pressure to meet the demand for wood, resulting in the provision of sub-standard logs. As middle-class families struggle to afford firewood, this resourceful practice highlights the challenges faced by Kashmiris in securing affordable fuel. EPA/AMIRUDDIN MUGHAL

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