J&K to remove `unhealthy' Russian poplar trees

THE JAMMU and Kashmir High Court has issued a fresh order asking for the removal of Russian poplar trees across the Kashmir valley. During summers, female poplar trees ( populous deltoids) shed a cotton-like material carrying seeds that cause allergy and aggravate respiratory disorders. "The health of general public is of paramount importance than interest of individuals who plant poplar trees of Russian species," the court observed. It said that tehsildars would be responsible for ensuring compliance with the orders passed by deputy commissioners for felling of the trees. In response, the state government has said that "the order will take time to be implemented". In April, the court had issued another order that was not implemented, following which the court directed the government to implement the order at the earliest possible and wherever necessary.