Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Apr 11: The administration’s order regarding the cutting or lopping of females Russian poplar trees to contain the spread of COVID-19 infection has remained restricted to a few urban areas of South Kashmir while as the rural landscape is yet to see any development on this front.
The order was issued in view of the COVID 19 as authorities fear that the trees can spread the infection through the cotton covered seeds that float in the air and settle everywhere. The order came after some experts suggested that the infection can be airborne. The seeds which the trees shed during April have been blamed for rising respiratory infections and allergies in Kashmir.
There, however, is no proof that the female poplars cause any respiratory ailments, but given the panic COVID 19 outbreak has caused, people did not want to take any chances.
The locals from different areas of South Kashmir told Excelsior that the efforts of the government have been restricted to the towns and its surrounding villages while as vast chunk of the rural population have been left out. “Maximum number of poplar trees grow in these rural areas. The administration would never be able to stop the spread of infection if they leave rural areas”, said Jahangir Ahmad of Redwani area of Kulgam district.
Echoing him, Ghulam Nabi, a resident of Awantipora said that if the apprehensions of the government turn out to be true, the infection can penetrate the villages. “Rural areas are surrounded by these poplars and here they are close to the habitations. I could not fathom reasons why the government is ignoring the rural belt. Are not we humans?”, he asked.
Another residents from Pulwama, Naseer Ahmad, suggested that the government should start the process in these villages if they want to stop the spread of the infection. “There is a simple logic. The administration should start from areas where the plantation and population is dense,” he said.
The Russian populars that grows up to 30-40 feet can grow faster than the local variety. The plant provides fuel wood and timber for constructions.
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