To stem the rising rate of allergy and infection due to pollens released by female species of Russian Poplars, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Dr Asghar Hassan Samoon today ordered the removal of all such trees across the valley on war footing basis.The Divisional Commissioner received latest update from the Deputy Commissioners of various districts through video conferencing about the numbers of the Russian Poplars present in their jurisdiction and steps being taken to remove them.Dr Samoon directed the officers to ensure removal of these poplars from all government and non government land including hospitals, educational institutions, offices and other places on priority basis. He directed them to employ more men and machinery to speed up the process. He also asked them to obtain reports from the concerned officials from ground regarding the progress of removal of these poplars on a daily basis so that all areas are made free from these harmful Russian poplars. The Divisional Commissioner also took stock of the pace of work going on dredging of Jehlum. While reviewing the pace of dredging in Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam, Srinagar and Bandipora, he stressed for timely completion of the process. He also directed for expediting the rehabilitation process of families affected due to dredging.