Authorities in Occupied Kashmir axing poplar trees to fight COVID-19
Environmentalists, farmers describe the decision an ecological disaster and depriving livelihoodsSRINAGAR: Fearing that pollen from female poplar trees may aggravate COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic, authorities in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) have ordered axing thousands of trees. The regional administration last week directed the social forestry department to cut down 42,000 female poplar trees. According to official records, the region is home to 20 million poplar trees also known as North American Cotton Tree (NACT). “All trees shed pollens during their flowering season but it is only poplar tree which has become an eyesore,” said Mukhtar. The poplar tree known for its low-cost timber is used for roofing rafters and making crates to transport valuable horticultural produce like apples, pears, and peaches.
Source: The Express Tribune April 11, 2020 14:26 UTC
