But doctors and scientists say the imported trees' pollen and drifting seeds are not a particularly significant allergy problem, and that widespread forest losses may be the bigger threat. "The desirability of felling of female poplar trees needs to be revisited," environmental experts wrote in a court filing last week. But many Kashmir district authorities, such as the Pulwama district magistrate, have issued orders that all female poplars be cut within a week, arguing that allergies could be mistaken for coronavirus infection and create "unnecessary panic". He said a more effective way to combat pollen allergies would be for sufferers to wear masks. “Eradication of exotic varieties of poplars would result in an economic and ecological disaster in Kashmir,” he warned.

Source: bd News24 April 15, 2020 16:07 UTC