Probe urged into 1,800 rai of destroyed watershed forest in Phetchabun
The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) is calling on agencies concerned to look into about 1,800 rai of deforested forest land, in a watershed area of Phetchabun’s Phu Khi Kai mountain.
Col Phongphet Ketsupha, head of the 4th Operation Coordination Centre of the Isoc, expressed serious concern about what he sees as a major case of deforestation.
Aerial pictures of the deforested area along with information about the forest area were sent by Col Phongphet to forest protection advocacy groups and the media.
In a Line application message, he said: “I am feeling devastated for being unable to save this watershed forest area.”
He said on Sunday he saw “with an aching heart” a group of people turning up at the deforested area to celebrate the opening of a water park on Phu Khi Kai mountain, located between Lom Kai district and Lom Sak district of the province.
Land title deeds were unlawfully issued for this 1,800 rai of land and the invalidation of the deeds was way too delayed, which had resulted in a wide area of the watershed forest being destroyed, he said.
If it had been delayed any further, a far greater area of the forest land there would have been destroyed as well, he said.
“I beg for sincerity from all agencies involved in resolving this deforestation case,” he said. “If they aren’t really determined to prevent deforestation, they had better given the forest to those business people with big money.”
About few years ago this deforested area was still a prestine forest, he said.
