Srinagar (NVI): Amid the coronavirus pandemic, authorities in Kashmir have been directed to axe female Russian poplar trees and enforce a complete ban on their plantation and growing in view of concerns regarding pollen-related infections.
The directive has been given by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, to all Deputy Commissioners and other authorities concerned in compliance with an order of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
However, Social Forestry Corporation has been asked to increase the capacities so far as male popular trees are concerned, so that saplings and cuttings of such trees are available to the farmers on reasonable rates.
In the directive, Pole has asked the officials concerned to discuss the pollen-related infections in wake of already spread of COVID-19 and enforce a complete ban on plantation and growing of female Russian poplar trees in private Nurseries, an official spokesman said.
He further directed that pruning, lopping of female poplar trees on property land within 500 meters of habitation should be conducted within 10 days and warned of strict action for non-compliance.
The Divisional Commissioner also said that the Social Forestry Corporation should axe all female Russian poplar trees on their lands or at any other locations.
Any species of this variety on State land or Kahcharie land within 500 meters from village (habitation), Basti, should also be felled down, the directive said.
He directed the Deputy Commissioners to constitute teams for cutting the trees on state and Khacharie land.
