Srinagar : Authorities in Kangan area of Ganderbal have miserably failed to meet the government instructions to review the clampdown on those who still grow the banned poplar trees. Experts have already declared these trees hazardous.
The deputy commissioners’ had directed people “to cut down all the Russian poplar trees standing in their property.”
All the sub-divisional officers and tehsildars were directed to “strictly implement the orders issued regarding sale, purchase and plantation of Russian poplar.”
Over the period of time, these cotton-shedding poplars became a source of anxiety, irritation and diseases in summers.
A study shows that of 46 poplar species, 26 are known to cause allergy.
SDM Kangan told Press Trust of Kashmir that they have started a drive to cut down the poplar trees. “But I am not in a position this time to give appropriate figures about the trees that have been cut down,” he said.
