Deputy Commissioner (DC), Bandipora, Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza, today, directed all concerned to axe all Russian female poplar trees within six days as its pollen creates influenza like infections which may create unnecessary panic among the general public amid COVID-19 pandemic.DC said that in view of the situation risen due to spread of COV1D-19, it has become imperative to take further preventive measures by way of felling of Russian female Poplar trees.He directed locals to axe the female poplar trees in their proprietary land and any other land under their occupation within a period of 06 days and warned of strict action for non compliance.DC said that in case people fail to comply, the district administration will axe the trees by mobilizing manpower of Forest, Social Forestry and Revenue Department and the proceeds obtained from the auctions of the trees shall be deposited in the Government Treasury after deducting expenses incurred on the exercise. He said the Russian female Poplar trees standing in the land belonging to government departments including Forest, State land and Kacharie land will be felled down by the concerned District Officers and Tehsildars within a period of 06 days.“Any violation of the instructions will invite penal action under Disaster Management Act, 2005,” The DC warned.The DC also directed the Tehsildars to take necessary steps in consultation with Police, Forest and Social Forestry Department to implement the order in letter and spirit.