Muscat – The repeated burning of rare trees in Jabal Akhdar has evoked a strong reaction from netizens.
On June 16, 2022, the Environment Authority (EA) received a report that an al alalan tree was torched in the Daan Busaiteen area of Jabal Akhdar.

According to the Environment Department in Dakhliyah Governorate, the EA – in cooperation with the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority – succeeded in putting out the fire.

Following the incident, Khalid al Kalbani tweeted, “Unfortunately, with the beginning of summer, these incidents are frequent. We want laws which deter people from burning trees, an action that affects Oman’s environment. Otherwise, nature will not survive!”

Another Twitterati Musa al Sharqi said, “These accidents occur often due to the fact that camping activities are not properly organised. Camping should be allowed under strict regulations in order to preserve nature.”

Ahmed al Fazari hoped the EA paid greater attention to its role of monitoring in addition to intensifying awareness campaigns and instructing visitors not to set fire near these rare trees.

“The authority should increase penalties for such behavior and also make a fence around old trees so as to prevent anyone from setting these on fire,” Sama al Tobi said.

Talal al Nabhani suggested authorities allocate dedicated areas for camping and barbecuing in Jabal Akhdar.

Following the buzz in social media, EA tweeted, ‘We confirm that these actions are in clear violation of the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law. Such acts are punishable by imprisonment and a fine in accordance with Article 33 of the law for anyone who causes disruption in nature conservation areas.’

The authority confirmed that in the coming days, it will plant a number of wild trees to increase green cover in the area.

EA also urged everyone to preserve the environment as it is the responsibility of all members of society. Violations can be reported to the hotline 80071999.