With everything that’s happening in Kelantan right now, it’s only fair for nature activists to showcase and highlight the effects of the ongoing logging.
What you’re about to see is so saddening.
Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam – KUASA recently shared a before and after scene at Air Terjun Dakota, Gua Musang, Kelantan.
“This gorgeous, historic waterfall was destroyed and its depth had become shallow due to the opening of a logging road in 2016. It is located in the Balah Forest Reserve, Gua Musang,” they wrote.
The waterfall was named ‘Dakota’ after the British Dakota KN630 plane crashed there on 25 August, 1950, where all crew, 12 people, died.
They went on to share that the logging activities near the waterfall go against the specifications of the JPSM Forestry Manual Volume I-III and MC&I which are as follows:
- Logging roads are not to be made outside the river reserve zone/river buffer/water course
- No bridge construction should be built according to the specifications aimed at reducing erosion, facilitating the movement of water flow and aquatic life.
“The local Orang Asli people informed that there has been no corrective moves taken to date by the contractors and the Forestry Department, although there should be a Forest Monitoring Report – which needs to be carried out at least once a month to ensure the area is orderly and controlled,” they added.
Though, despite all of that, a logging road can be seen opened across the waterfall.
It’s heartbreaking to see such damage, especially considering the water area has it’s own heritage and historical value.
None of these logging activities should be prioritised over nature.
Have any good memories of Air Terjun Dakota? Share them in the comment section.
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