SRINAGAR: Concerned over rising rate of infection by its pollen, authorities have banned plantation of Russian poplar in and around Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The pollen infection has become a major worry for people in city. It has been decided that no fresh plantation of Russain poplars should be allowed in the city,” Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmed Shah told a local news agency KNS.
Shah has also asked officials of Social Forestry and Urban Forestry departments to submit a report within 15-days.
“If anyone is found violating the directives they will be subject to legal action.”
Doctors say pollen from these trees is causing infections in people, particularly children and the elderly. Some say it could even cause death in patients with acute asthma.
