‘Truffles good for health but harmful if taken in quantity’
‘Desert-goers, companies destroying environment’
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 12: Environmental expert Dr Ali Khuraibet said truffles growing in the desert of Kuwait and other parts of the Arab Peninsula have numerous health benefits but they could be harmful if taken in excess, reports Al-Anba daily.
For his part, Deputy Director General for Technical Affairs at the Environment Public Authority (EPA) Engineer Mohammad Al-Anzi says there’s no indication that the quantity of truffles in the market is too small.
He noted the wildlife in Kuwait is influenced by many factors that negatively affect the growth of numerous plant species, adding truffles grow in the desert based on two factors; the quantity of rainfall and suitable environment. He reminded that this winter season did not witness much rainfall.
He cited harmful activities practiced by desert-goers and the companies executing projects in the desert areas that affect the environment and evenness of the desert soil and makes it too delicate for some wild plants to thrive, including truffles. He stressed that such harmful activities also increase the chances of dust storms, indicating Kuwait is expected to witness dusty weather this summer.
He blames the contracting companies and the sector in charge of protecting the environment for the current state of the desert, adding EPA is keen on issuing relevant citations against anybody caught violating its laws. “It’s the responsibility of Kuwait Municipality to increase surveillance on all open areas, he reiterated.
A team from the Department of Inspection and Follow up in Farwaniya Municipality conducted a campaign targeting violating buildings in accordance with law No. 33/2016, and issued ten citations and 21 warnings against violating buildings and encroachments on state properties, reports Al-Seyassah daily.
Director of the department Eng. Khalid Al-Sunaida said in a press statement that the campaign was aimed at confronting violations in private residential, investment residential and commercial buildings, affirming that such campaigns will be held regularly. Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) in collaboration with Shuwaikh Industrial Area Fire Station recently executed a drill at the headquarters of Touristic Enterprises Company.
The drill was led by Shuwaikh Industrial Area Chief Lieutenant Colonel Mishari Al-Sahaf and Head of Department Lieutenant