‘2 lakh trees chopped in Kulgam, 4 lakh to be chopped in Pulwama’| DCs of Ganderbal, Bandipora districts directed to appear in person for ‘explanation’
The J&K government on Tuesday informed the High Court that nearly two lakh Russian poplar trees were cut down in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district so far while four lakh such trees will be chopped in Pulwama district this month.
In his compliance report, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam stated that till the end of May 2016, about 1,88,027 poplars of Russian species have been cut down in different Tehsils of the district. The status report by DC Pulwama attested that committees have been constituted to achieve target of cutting 4,03,200 Russian poplar trees in the district, till June 31.
Hearing a petition seeking chopping of Russian species poplars, a bench of Justice Muhammad Yaqoob Mir directed the Deputy Commissioner Pulwama to file latest status report by July 4 to show whether the target was achieved, and also directed DC Kulgam to file latest status report by next hearing (June 28) indicating steps and measures taken for “removal of nuisance in the form of nurseries with Russian Poplar trees.”
Observing as causal his compliance report, the court directed Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to remain personally present on the next hearing to explain the measures taken by him for ensuring complete compliance of the court orders on chopping of Russian poplars. For not filing the compliance report, the court directed Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal to remain personally present on next hearing to explain his position with regard to non-compliance of the court orders.
Citing compliance report by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, the court said: “Various measures have been taken but without follow up which is also supported by news item which had appeared in daily Kashmir Post, wherein people of Astanpora Rawalpora appealed the Deputy Commissioner to take steps for compliance of the court orders.”
The court, however, asked DC Srinagar to file fresh report by or before next hearing to clearly indicate as to what has been the follow up on the basis of instructions and directions which he had issued to various subordinate authorities as well as to various heads of the departments.
“In case of any default, he shall have to remain personally present,” the court said.
Observing that in Tehsils Bijbehara, Dooru, Mattan, Shahabad Bala and Larnoo of Anantnag district, the position is very disturbing, the court said figures of these Tehsils given in the report suggest that the concerned Tehsildars have not been careful enough to ensure compliance of court orders.
The Court directed Deputy Commissioner Anantnag to impress upon all Tehsildars to show substantial progress and file latest status by or before the next date.
With regard to the compliance report filed by Deputy Commissioner Budgam, the court said: “If performance will be the same then personal appearance of the Deputy Commissioner shall be indispensable on next date of hearing”.
Referring to the compliance report by Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, the court said: “The total number of trees shown to have been felled down appears to be somewhat satisfactory but on the next date Tehsil-wise progress in compliance to the directions of this Court shall be given in the fresh status report, as shall be filed by or before next date.”
While Deputy Commissioner Shopian in his report stated that Tehsil-level Committees were constituted for chopping the poplars, the court granted him one month for filing latest status about the removal of nuisance. The court also asked Deputy Commissioner Kupwara to file latest status report to indicate the follow up and the progress in complying with the directions of the Court.
Observing their potential threat to human health, the court in its order of May 12, 2015, had directed all deputy commissioners to issue appropriate orders for immediate removal of poplar trees of Russian species from across the Valley.
