Commissioner warns residents against bush burning in Niger
NAN-H-53
Warning
By Aminu Ahmed Garko
Minna, Feb.16, 2017 (NAN) Niger Commissioner for Environment, Dr Aliyu Tangwagi, has warned residents of the state against bush burning during and after the dry season period.
Tangwagi gave the warning in Minna on Thursday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said that the state government had established a security outfit, named ‘Green Guards’, trained and equipped them to preserve the forests against bush burning.
‘‘We have since issued an operational order to our field officers on various security measures to be taken to prevent fire outbreaks during and after the harmattan period.
‘‘Green Guards would arrest and prosecute those found setting the bush on fire and cutting of trees,’’ he said.
He stated that members of the Green Guards had commenced patrols of the forests in the state to ensure the protection of the state`s forests.
The commissioner explained that the government would not tolerate random burning of bush in search of animals during and after the harmattan period.
While advising the people against arbitrary burning of bush, the commissioner said such a practice could cause negative effects on the environment.
Tangwagi said that the state government would not tolerate such misconduct from residents.
The commissioner solicited the support of traditional rulers to curb indiscriminate felling of trees and rampant bush burning in their domains. (NAN)
AAG/MOL/ASH
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Edited by Mustapha Lamidi
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