The picture is depressing in many parts of the age-old forest of Achna, due to which the name of the refugee settlement created after 1974 is due. the eucalyptus trees that make up the forest.
Especially in the areas behind the primary and kindergarten of the settlement, in the area north of the National Stadium but also in other places, a large number of trees have dried up or are at this stage, during the last few years, creating feelings of sadness, but also concern among residents.
Commenting on the matter, the Deputy Director of the Department of Forests, Charalambos Alexandrou, told "F" that he is aware of the situation and has already instructed his subordinates to prepare a thorough study on the exact condition of the trees in its forest. Άχνας. However, the director of the Forest Department was honest and expressed the concern of the Forest Department not only for the situation that has reached due to the drought the forest of Achna, but also many other forests in the plains of Cyprus, even in these mountains.
As he said, our island is going through the fifth year of unsatisfactory rainfall and this inevitably "leaves its marks on the natural environment and the trees of our forests, especially those located in the lowlands". Especially for the area of Achna and the forest of Achna, Mr. Alexandrou noted that unfortunately it was one of the most dry areas of the island, during the current meteorological year.
"Maybe the watering of some trees will be considered, but it is emphasized that maybe. "In times when water is a problem for people, unfortunately trees in the forests are another priority," said the director of the Forest Department.
Camp of the Asian tribe of Gurkhas
The history of the Achna Forest begins before the inhabitants of the area took refuge in 1974, when it suddenly became known throughout Cyprus, as it is estimated that from the first hours of the Turkish invasion until August, about 150 thousand refugees took refuge there. The reason was because all the Cypriots pursued by the Turkish invaders believed that their families would be safe there, as the Attiles would not dare to advance on British sovereign bases.
Until 1974, the people of Achni spent there on Holy Monday, or took refuge under the shade of its trees during their agricultural activities in their adjacent fields. Even before, when Cyprus was a British colony, in the Achna Forest there was a training camp in the war technique of the men of the Asian tribe of Gurkas. Also, in the over 8–10 pcs. Achna forest also operated a nursery.
During the refugee housing, many of the trees in the forest were deforested. However, for many years, the Department of Forests and the community itself have made serious efforts to reforest and maintain the trees. Unfortunately, due to the prolonged drought over the last five years, a large number of trees have dried up.
Source: Philenews