Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR May 24: Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad has directed the officers of Forest Department to come up with a proposal to replace the popular trees in the Valley as the said trees are causing health problems to the people. In view of the recent ban imposed by the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar on the fresh plantation of population trees, the department must work on the alternate plantation to maintain the ecological balance.
He called for launching a massive awareness campaign besides holding seminars and involving NGOs to educate the masses about the ill effects of popular trees and making fresh plantation of alternate trees.
The Minister was reviewing the situation arisen due to the adverse effect on the health and environment by popular trees in the Valley.
MLA, M.Y. Tarigami and senior officers of Forest Department were present on the occasion.
“It is not only the concern of the Government but the entire society is worried about the ill impact of popular trees on the health and environment and a well thought out strategy will be chalked out to deal with the situation. The Government will seek the assistance of environmentalists, NGOs and other experts to deal with the issue to keep a permanent check on the menace caused due to popular trees and alternate plantation”, said the Minister. He directed the officers to submit the report on the issue within a period of two months with a future course of action.
It was suggested in the meeting that as a first step, the private nurseries would be asked to stop its plantation followed by pruning of all popular plants across the Valley.
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