Abid Bashir
Srinagar (NVI): The Jammu & Kashmir High Court today stayed the cutting of poplar trees in the Union Territory and directed the Chief Secretary of J&K to constitute a high level committee to study whether these trees are the cause of multiple diseases for people.
The HC issued a stay order till a committee submits its report. The committee is supposed to be constituted within four days from today.
The court directed Chief Secretary BVR Subramanyam to set-up a committee headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and other experts on trees, medicine, respiratory diseases and other subjects relevant to the issues.
“The committee which is constituted would examine all aspects relating to the matter including the impact of the pollen and fluff from poplar trees, the desirability of felling poplar trees ( also called Russian poplars) and related issues. The committee shall suggest all necessary steps, including felling of trees, if necessary,” the HC order reads.
According to the order, the committee shall complete its deliberations expeditiously within a timeframe to be fixed by Chief Secretary and forward its report to secretaries of Health and Medical Education and Forest departments.
“The Secretaries Health and Forest Departments shall take a considered view on the report and place the same before Chief Secretary for consideration at the earliest,” reads the order available with NVI.
The High Court said it has not passed any direction on felling of poplar trees during April 3 hearing and left the decision and action to be taken by the secretary of Health and Medical Education Department.
It also stayed previous order issued by the Divsional Commisioner Kashmir PK Pole, who had directed all the deputy commissioners of Kashmir to cut poplar trees in their respective districts. The stay on cutting of poplar trees will continue till further orders, the HC observed.
