Poplars a health hazard; nuisance needs to be eradicated: High Court
Court expresses dismay over non-serious attitude of DCs in removal of poplars
High Court has expressed dismay over the non-serious attitude of the Deputy Commissioners with regard to axing of Russian poplar trees.
A single bench of Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir termed the report filed by DCs as unsatisfactory saying the report has been submitted simply to show the compliance of the court order which in fact is not in keeping with the object and spirit of the order.
Court asked the DCs to file fresh affidavit clearly indicating how they have proceeded in the matter for complying with the order with effect from 1st March 2016 till 25th May 2016 and from 25th May 2016 till next date as shall be fixed in the petition for filing latest status report.
Earlier counsel for petitioner of PIL highlighted that for last six months small numbers of Russian Poplar Trees have been cut just to show compliance of the order of this Court. “In fact, there has not been a proper drive so as to ensure implementation of the order in its letter and spirit,” petitioners stated.
Court warned that it may call DCs in court to explain their position if they exhibited further slackness. The bench observed that the Russian poplars have created enormous difficulty and day by day are proving to be health hazard.
During hearing Advocate Manzoor Ahmad Dar, highlighted only female Russian Poplar trees are shedding cotton pollen. On this court asked him if he has such expert report, he shall file same along with application before court.
Additional Solicitor General of India Advocate S A Makroo highlighted that some people have planted Russian Poplar trees for their livelihood and if any direction is passed for their total removal then they will face a lot of inconvenience.
On this court said the suggestions may be genuine but there cannot be any substitute to the safe human living. “If anything proves to be nuisance to the human living, that nuisance needs to be eradicated,” the court said.
