A Gombe-based non-governmental organisation, Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI) has cautioned residents of the state against bush burning, especially in the rural communities.
Mr. Ismail Bima, JEI Chief Executive Officer, gave the advice on Monday in Gombe in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to him, the advice has become imperative in view of the commencement of dry season farming which often records a surge in bush burning.
Bima said that the negative impact of bush burning on the environment had made it extremely difficult for environmentalists to keep silent on activities that could contribute to global warming.
“ We have always campaigned against bush burning because of its negative impact on the environment and humans. Burning bushes involve the production of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and pollutants such as fume and smoke,’’ he said.
The environmentalist said his NGO had started the sensitisation of farmers in villages where bush burning was very rampant.
“ Our message is simple, do not burn bushes. We tell them the impact of such action on their farmlands, health and environment. The dry season is not a time to burn bushes,’’ he said.
Bima said the group has visited villages around Gwani and Bima hills to sensitise the farmers and also to some villages in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government and parts of Akko and Dukku Local Government Areas.
According to Bima, bush burning has negative effects on the quality of the soil as it takes time to recover from the effects of burning.
He decried the activities of those burning tyres in abattoirs, pointing out that a report on it would soon be submitted to the Ministry of Environment.
He commended the state government for taking proactive measures to sustain the “Gombe Goes Green’’ initiative, adding that plants needed more water and care during the dry season.
“ Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has made provision for the supply of water to sustain the trees already planted, especially with the commencement of the dry season while sustaining planting, especially in schools,’’ he said.
