Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq Tuesday convened a high level meeting of officers to chalk out the modalities regarding the cutting/felling of Russian poplars.The meeting held threadbare discussions on the implementation of High Court directions regarding the fate of Russian poplars.The Minister sought suggestions from various departments including authorities of health, forest and district administrations on the issue.
He ordered constitution of two Committees - one headed by Director SKIMS and another by a senior officer of Forest Department to assess the impact of the measures taken so far, besides providing concrete recommendations regarding Russian poplars.Haq asked all Deputy Commissioners to deal with the whole issue with specific strategy and manage the drive in coordination with other concerned departments so that people are not affected.The Minister was informed by the Deputy Commissioners that they are already in the process and it will take time to complete the whole process.
Haq said that health of general public is of paramount importance than interest of individuals and all possible measures would be taken for the safety of the public. He directed for removing Russian poplars from highways, inhabited areas, water bodies and from around the health institutions on priority.
Earlier, the Minister was given detailed brief and overview about pros and cons of plantation of Russian poplars by Divisional Commissioner, Secretary RDD, PCCF, Director SKIMS, Principal GMC and other experts.Among others, the meeting was attended by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Secretary RDD & PRI, Principal Chief Conservator Forest, VC LAWDA, Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Division, Director Rural Development, Kashmir, Director Social Forestry, Director, SFRI, Director Health services Kashmir, Director SKIMS, Principal GMC, and other concerned officers.