Authorities destroy four charcoal production pits in Sulaymaniyah

SULAIMANIYAH — In a move to combat illegal charcoal production and environmental damage, authorities in the Mawat district of Sulaymaniyah governorate have dismantled four charcoal pits and arrested four individuals involved in the operation. Among those detained were the owner of the pits and three others accused of illegally felling trees to supply wood for charcoal production.

Hemin Kamarkhan, spokesperson for the Sulaymaniyah Forestry and Environment Police, told 964media, “To protect and preserve the region’s natural resources, patrol units from the Forestry Police in Gopilon carried out operations near the villages of Maloma and Qaiwan in Mawat district. These efforts resulted in the destruction of four charcoal pits and the arrest of four individuals directly involved in tree-cutting and charcoal production.”

The pit owner was apprehended for overseeing the production, while the others were arrested for cutting down trees to supply wood for the pits. Authorities also confiscated tools and equipment used in the process during the raid.

Kamarkhan further noted that additional patrols in nearby areas, including the villages of Gwezeley and Bazaroo, led to the arrest of three more individuals suspected of similar violations. All suspects have been referred to the judiciary for further legal action.

“Since the beginning of this month, approximately 15 individuals have been arrested across Sulaymaniyah governorate for illegal logging and charcoal production,” Kamarkhan stated. “These efforts are part of ongoing campaigns to combat deforestation and protect the region’s natural environment.”.

In the Kurdistan Region, environmental laws restrict the felling of trees as part of efforts to preserve the area’s forests and natural resources. Despite these regulations, illegal charcoal production remains a challenge. The process involves burning large quantities of wood in earth pits, which contributes heavily to deforestation and environmental degradation. The latest enforcement actions underscore the continuing struggle to address these violations and safeguard the ecological balance in the region.