Muscat – More than 7,000 mesquite trees were removed from the roots in the wilayat of Salalah in Dhofar governorate so far, according to the Environment Authority (EA).

“The authority has begun the second phase of the campaign in Dhofar governorate to remove mesquite trees from the reserves stretching from Khor Al Mughassil in the wilayat of Salalah to Khor Rori in the wilaya of Taqa,” an EA official said.

“More than 7,000 trees have been removed so far. The campaign aims to preserve the natural environment and protect livestock.”

The authority members regularly burn the pestilent shrubs and trees for a lasting solution, and in the mission often face the challenges due to strong winds that raise the chances of fire spreading to vegetation in the immediate surrounding.

The EA official explained that this species of the tree needs to be removed regularly, as it is a “menace that threatens indigenous flora, competing for water and soil nutrients”.

Leaves of mesquite shrubs and trees contain a toxic substance, and the thorns cause serious injury to human beings.

According to the official, mesquite pollen has been identified as a respiratory allergen, and consumption of the pods by animals leads to teeth decay. The shrubs and trees also affect soil salinity.

While removing harmful shrubs and trees, the EA official affirmed the need for simultaneous afforestation so as to increase the green cover in Oman.

“We encourage parents to inculcate a culture of environmentalism in children by joining our initiatives and growing trees.”

“We call upon people to cooperate in the authority’s endeavours to save the environment,” he appealed, while thanking those supporting them.