Widespread generation of poplar pollens results in pollution, health issues in Kashmir

Kulgam, June 3: The pollen menace has caused great inconvenience among the residents in different parts of the Valley with residents stating that it has made their life difficult by causing a range of several symptoms including fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, eye irritation and other respiratory disorders .

There are about 20 million Russian poplars in the Valley that produce white cotton fluffy balls that get dispersed into the air. According to the health experts this gives rise to several health issues among the people besides creating air pollution .

Every year as the spring arrives the white tufts of cotton carrying pollen continue to create troublesome situations for the locals. “The pollen from these trees causes allergies to my children and it becomes difficult for them to step out during this season,” said Samey Jan, a resident of Katrasoo in District kulgam. “We need authorities to address this problem seriously in order to mitigate the impact of this seasonal health threat,” she said.

“During this season children are the most vulnerable to the pollen allergies and the adults with underlying lung diseases particularly “BronchialAsthma Allergic Rhinitis, elderly with underlying COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) face graver risks ,” said Dr Basharat , a physician at SMHS. “If one manifests symptoms like hay fever , running nose ,eye redness people are advised not to rely on self medication but take a proper medical consultation,” he warned.

An official data has concluded that the poplar cultivation in the Valley started in the year 1981-82 under the social forestry scheme in collaboration with the World Bank for the purpose of uplifting the rural population and in order to meet their basic requirements.The exotic species brought from the USA has played an essential role in boosting the economy and has reduced the tremendous pressure on the natural forests. As per an estimate, poplar cultivation holds second position in income generation after apple cultivation.

“The Russian pollen has become a nuisance for Kashmir and so much advancement has been made in Agricultural science, why can’t our scientists find a solution to this problem without damaging these trees,” said Kashmiri based activist, Raja Muzaffar Bhat. “I would urge upon SKAUST Kashmir to work on this and give solution to this problem,” he stated.

Locals are urging the administration to revive the ban which was imposed on 5 may 2015, regarding the felling of poplar trees and a ban on new plantations. According to an estimate, there are about 20 million Russian poplars in the Valley and their population is steadily increasing every year.

“Pollen is creating a lot of problems. We could hardly open the windows due to its sticky nature, it remains inside the doors for days and causes chest and throat infections,” said Mohammad Amin, another resident of Kulgam.

“The pollen adversely impacts the three main systems of the human body: eyes, skin and the respiratory system. Pollens can cause severe breathing problems,” said Dr Abdul Hamid, Ophthalmologist at District Hospital Kulgam.

“This season triggers the OPD rush of patients, there is an urgent need to devise a management plan in order to tackle this issues very wisely, Two important factors can play an important role in eradicating this menace, one is at administration level in which the main stakeholders are responsible and another is at personal level in which people themselves can dispel it’s effects by following a set of protocols by wearing masks and by using glasses as a preventive measure,” he added.

By Shaheen Mursal