Cutting of Russian Populus might be good discussion to stop flu and allergy in Kashmir, but do we know that there are lakhs of Populus trees in Kashmir. If we cut them all, do we know what will it do to our environment, ecosystem and also to our economy.

By:Adv Qumber Rizwan Noori

After COVID-19 outbreak, I came through a news that Govt. of  Jammu and Kashmir is looking for cutting down the Russian Populus trees. I think it is not a new news, the issue has been discussed several times even in High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and in July 2015 H.C ordered the removal of Russian Populus. And now it again came into light as the COVID-19 is spreading in Kashmir, people think that Russian Populus may accelerate its spread.

Cutting of Russian Populus might be good discussion to stop flu and allergy in Kashmir, but do we know that there are lakhs of Populus trees in Kashmir. If we cut them all, do we know what will it do to our environment, ecosystem and also to our economy. Do we know what a catastrophic situation it will bring to Kashmir? Our environment is already getting worsen day by day with air, water and soil pollution by doing so we are inviting more calamities to Kashmir.

Do we know what a catastrophic situation it will bring to Kashmir? Our environment is already getting worsen day by day with air, water and soil pollution by doing so we are inviting more calamities to Kashmir. 

The order issued last week by J&K Administration, has stoked fears that the drive may result in large-scale cutting of the trees — a move that many experts believe will have a huge impact on not just local ecology but also the economy.

I am not saying we shouldn’t cut them down, what I am saying is before cutting one tree we should get prepared for the calamities we are bringing. I myself believe if we don’t have any option other than cutting down Russian Populus we should plant more trees before cutting one Russian Populus to compensate its loss. Allergy is for three months but impact of cutting down of trees is forever. Allergy is for a place where these trees exist but the impact of cutting down the trees is for the whole world in general and specifically Kashmir. Govt. should take into consideration its long run impact.

Several local politicians have also come out against the move. Even so, some environmental experts have said the government should do whatever it takes to restrict the spread of Covid-19, which has claimed nearly 80,000 lives around the world.

I request govt., that it should compel authorities that before cutting down one tree they should plant at least two to more trees so that our environment and ecosystem don’t fall.

At last I would like to quote a couplet of famous saint of Kashmir Sheikh ul-Aalam

“ann posh teli yeli wan posh”

Author hails from Kashmir and can be reached at qumberrizwan@gmail.com