Omoro District authorities have imposed a temporary ban on commercial tree cutting following a worrying trend in depletion of natural forests.
The decision was reached during a full council meeting held at the district council hall in Lalogi Sub County in Omoro district.
The Omoro district council’s decision follows concerns of indiscriminate tree cutting by commercial charcoal dealers.
In January last year, Gulu District authorities issued a similar ban to check on depletion of natural forests.
Douglas Peter Okello, the District Chairperson says the ban will come into effect by December 1, 2017.
Okello says that those engaged in destruction of forest will be sensitized before they are forced to leave the areas.
He further explained that the decision to suspend commercial tree cutting for charcoal and timber extraction was reached after the district realized that a large chunk of forest cover is being destroyed by the commercial charcoal dealers.
The Omoro district LCV boss said the most affected areas are; Loyoajonga village in Lalogi Sub County, Oroapwoyo village in Odek Sub County and Ongako Sub County.
According to Okello, to succeed, they will involve environmental police unit to effect the ban.
Indiscriminate tree cutting contravenes the National Forestry Act (2003).
At least four Fuso trucks loaded with bags of charcoal leave Omoro villages for the central region leaves each day.
