Employees, teachers demand end to Russian Poplar-induced public suffering

Ganderbal, May 2: The Jammu and Kashmir Employees Joint Consultative Committee (JKEJCC) and Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF), Ganderbal Unit, Friday appealed to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore to immediately enforce the existing government orders regarding the felling of Russian poplar trees (Populus deltoides) across the district.

A joint statement of JKEJCC and JKTF Ganderbal Unit issued here said that the committee expressed grave concern over the unchecked presence of these trees, which had long been recognised by scientific and medical communities as a serious environmental and public health threat.

The Russian poplar trees, which release massive amounts of airborne pollen during the spring season, have been blamed for exacerbating respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergies.

According to the committee, the situation becomes particularly dire for vulnerable sections of the population, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

ìIn addition to health concerns, the white fluff produced by these trees acts as a fire hazard and contributes to overall environmental degradation,î the statement read. ìThe ongoing inaction despite earlier directives has led to continued public suffering.î

The JKEJCC and JKTF Ganderbal Unit said that despite clear government orders mandating the felling of these trees, implementation on the ground remains sluggish and sporadic.

The statement said that this laxity not only undermines administrative authority but also perpetuates seasonal hardships for the people.

In light of these concerns, the JKEJCC and JKTF Ganderbal Unit put forth a four-point demand to the district administration, which includes immediate and strict enforcement of existing felling orders across Ganderbal district, regular monitoring and penal action against landowners and institutions found flouting the directives, the launch of a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate the people about the adverse impacts of Russian poplars on health and environment, and promotion and facilitation of plantation drives featuring native and non-invasive tree species as viable and sustainable alternatives.

ìThe health and well-being of the people of Ganderbal must be prioritised over all else. The time for action is now,î the statement said, calling on DC Ganderbal to take prompt and decisive measures in addressing the ëgrowing hazardí.

The JKEJCC and JKTF Ganderbal Unit expressed hope that the administration would take cognisance of the urgency and act in the larger interest of public health and environmental safety.