Committee was headed by PCCF
SRINAGAR: A committee constituted by the authorities last month to ascertain the desirability of cutting down Russian poplars has submitted its report to Jammu & Kashmir government.
The report was submitted before the J&K High Court by Amit Gupta, Additional Advocate General .“It is submitted by Amit Gupta, learned AAG that the Committee which was constituted in terms of our order dated 10th April 2020 has submitted its report which is being considered by the authorities,” states the High Court order, a copy of which is with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)
The Court directed the government to place decision taken on the matter before it on the next date of hearing. “Let the decision be taken in terms of our order dated 10th April 2020 and placed before us before the next date of hearing,” the Court directed.
The division bench of HC on April 10 stayed its 2015 order of felling trees and asked the administration to constitute a committee of experts within four days, to ascertain the desirability of cutting down Russian poplars.
“The committee which is constituted would examine all aspects relating to the matter including the impact of the pollen and fluff from poplar trees, the desirability of felling poplar trees ( also called Russian poplars) and related issues. The committee shall suggest all necessary steps, including felling of trees, if necessary,” the HC had said.
Following the court directions, the administration constituted a seven-member committee to examine all aspects relating to the Russian Poplar trees including the “impact of the pollen and fluff” and the “desirability” of felling the trees.
Headed by principal chief conservator forests Mohit Gera and comprising subject experts from different fields, the panel was directed to submit its report within two weeks to the government.