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Written by: Mudasir Rashid

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 20 May 2016

GANDERBAL: Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal directed authorities to ensure strict implementation of order regarding sale/purchase and plantation of Russian Poplar Trees and forewarn all the contractor, local people to implement this order, further said the existing trees, if any, be removed within a specific time without any delay in Central District Ganderbal, keeping in view the large scale complaints of allergy being caused by its pollen.

District Authorities said the pollen falling from these trees had become a major source of allergies in the District and had reached alarming proportions. "This view has been endorsed by the experts as well," they said. "Strict action under rules will be taken against those violating the directive. We have directed the police, Revenue and Social Forestry officials to enforce the ban immediately," they informed. 

The prevalence of pollen allergy in the District has been a perennial irritant for the residents during the onset of summer every year. The Russian poplar was introduced in Kashmir in 1980s under the Social Forestry Scheme in view of its fast growth.

During summers, female poplar—sheds a cotton-like material carrying seeds that cause allergy and aggravate respiratory disorders. This cotton has become an irritant in the recent past for the locals as well as those tourists who visit Sonamarg or any other places in District. The variety of poplar trees was introduced in Kashmir in 1980 from the US under special scheme. Locally called as (Russi Frass), the species takes less time (10-15 years) to grow, as compared to the Kashmir poplar that takes 30-40 years. However, experts say that the Kashmiri Poplar is harmless but Russian tree is health hazard. Due to their high yield, poplars are intensively used in the timber and construction industry. However, due to cotton-like seeds that the species produces, it has become a pressing problem for the Valley, experts said.

“It certainly aggravates respiratory diseases, the cotton-like substance is an irritant that causes allergies,” says Gh Hassan, professionally a doctor. “The irritation caused by the pollen results in running nose, red and watery eyes,” he adds. Keeping in view District Administration taken a special step towards implementation of complete ban and cut down these trees without any delay in Ganderbal district, on the directions of newly talented DC Mr Tariq Ganie, Authorities inform area people through media as well as send notices to all Tehesils in District regarding blanket ban on these harmful trees.