Extensive campaign to remove ‘Ghwaif’ trees from Al Bataeh

In the presence of Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Mohammed Abdullah bin Halis Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Al Bataeh Municipal Council, Abdullah Sultan bin Saluma Al Ketbi, Director of Al Bataeh Municipality, and Mohammed Obaid bin Matar, Director of Department of Municipalities Affairs, Agriculture and Livestock (DMAAL) in Al Dhaid, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi cut a branch of a “Ghwaif” tree, marking the launch of the extensive campaign to remove “Ghwaif” trees from all areas of Al Bataeh due to the great damage they cause to vegetation, threatening the underground water and public health. 

Studies proved the impact of this exotic tree on the UAE environment harming the groundwater storage, whereas the tree roots extend to a distance of approximately 50 meters withdrawing water and thus directly affecting the vegetation, in addition to the dangers it poses to public health.

Teams consisting of Al Bataeh Municipality and the Bee’ah Company began to remove “Ghwaif” trees by introducing modern technologies and equipment to permanently cut off these trees, clean the environment and ensure that they will not grow later.

The campaign will last for two weeks to completely get rid of all the trees in Al Bataeh.