Srinagar, May 9: As pollen-related allergies continue to surge across the Kashmir Valley during the spring season, residents in several parts of Srinagar have raised alarm over the unchecked growth of poplar trees, blaming them for worsening respiratory illnesses and posing risks to public safety.
Hospitals and clinics across Kashmir have reported a noticeable increase in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis, asthma flare-ups, eye irritation, throat infections and breathing difficulties, particularly among children and elderly people. The seasonal bloom of poplar trees, known for releasing large quantities of cotton-like seed fluff and pollen, has once again triggered concern among residents and health experts alike.
In Rawalpora’s Hakeem Bagh locality, residents have formally approached the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, seeking urgent intervention against what they termed as “hazardous poplar trees” growing on Custodian Department land opposite Government Higher Secondary School Rawalpora.
In a detailed representation submitted through local resident H.G. Jeelani, the residents alleged that the tall and ageing poplar trees have become “structurally weak, unstable and hazardous,” while also causing severe environmental and health concerns due to excessive pollen release during spring.
The residents stated that the pollen and cotton-like fluff emitted by the trees have been causing respiratory ailments, allergic reactions, eye irritation and aggravating chronic diseases such as asthma among the local population. They said the condition has materially affected the “normal life, comfort and well-being” of residents.
The representation further warned that the overgrown trees pose an “imminent and foreseeable danger” during gusty winds and storms, as they are vulnerable to uprooting or branch collapse, thereby risking damage to life and property.
Citing provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, the Environment Protection Act and Article 21 of the Constitution, the residents urged the district administration to immediately inspect the site, assess the structural stability of the trees and initiate pruning, removal or scientific management measures.
The issue of poplar pollen has remained contentious in Kashmir for years. In 2015, directions were issued for the removal of Russian poplar trees from several areas of the Valley after growing public concern over allergies. However, the process later slowed after legal and expert-level reviews, with authorities maintaining that scientific assessment was necessary before large-scale felling.
With allergy cases again witnessing a sharp rise this spring, many residents are now demanding a balanced approach that safeguards both public health and environmental concerns.
