The Hazhar artificial forest in Kalar, Sulaymaniyah. (Photo: 964media)
Approximately 26,000 trees
Neglect and lack of irrigation push Kalar’s Hazhar Forest toward deterioration
KALAR — A large portion of the Hazhar artificial forest in Kalar district, part of Sulaymaniyah’s Garmian administration, is facing serious decline due to a lack of water and maintenance, local forestry officials said.
The forest, planted in 2013, contains about 26,000 trees of varying species. Rashid Bakr, head of forestry in Garmian, told 964media, “Since the beginning of this year, the forest has not been irrigated or maintained.”
Bakr said that workers assigned to the forest have not had their contracts renewed by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Finance, resulting in the suspension of services. “Many of the trees have turned yellow and weakened,” he said.
“In previous years, contracts were renewed at the start of each year. This year, that hasn’t happened,” he added, warning that the forest could deteriorate further unless action is taken.
Kalar is one of the hottest areas in the Kurdistan Region, and the rising summer temperatures pose additional risks to already stressed trees, Bakr said.
He also noted that five other forests in the Garmian region are in similar condition, with just 22 workers available to cover all sites. He called for the renewal of worker contracts, additional staffing, and the assignment of guards to protect and maintain the forests.
