The pollen menace has caused great inconvenience among the residents in different parts of the Valley with residents stating that it has made their life difficult by causing a range of several symptoms including fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, eye irritation and other respiratory disorders . There are about 20 million Russian poplars in the Valley that produce white cotton fluffy balls that get dispersed into the air. According to the health experts this gives rise to several health issues among the people besides creating air pollution .
Every year as the spring arrives the white tufts of cotton carrying pollen continue to create troublesome situations for the locals. “The pollen from these trees causes allergies to my children and it becomes difficult for them to step out during this season,” said Samey Jan, a resident of Katrasoo in District kulgam. “We need authorities to address this problem seriously in order to mitigate the impact of this seasonal health threat,” she said.
“During this season children are the most vulnerable to the pollen allergies and the adults with underlying lung diseases particularly “BronchialAsthma Allergic Rhinitis, elderly with underlying COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) face graver risks ,” said Dr Basharat , a physician at SMHS. “If one manifests symptoms like hay fever , running nose ,eye redness people are advised not to rely on self medication but take a proper medical consultation,” he warned. An offic.
