Akshay Azad
Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 10: Though the Ayurvedic system of medicines depends on medicinal plants, the administration of Ayurvedic Hospital Jammu has decided to axe three fully grown medicinal trees in the premises of the hospital.
The environmentalists have taken strong exception to the move and have sought either re-transplantation of trees or shifting of the proposed location of block to some other site.
According to the letter forwarded by the Conservator of Forests (East Circle Jammu) to Chief Conservator of Forests, approval was accorded for handling over of four trees including one each of Jamun, Belpatri, Amla and mango, which are, in the words of the Conservator, posing threat to nearby buildings situated in the premises of Ayurvedic Hospital Jammu.
It is clear that the trees would be axed in coming days as the letter further stated that regarding the sale process of said trees, action would be taken by State Forest Corporation as per decision of competent authority.
Moreover, two more trees, which fall under reserved categories, one each of Toot (mulberry) and Bod (Banyan), are also likely to be cut down and the matter is reportedly taken by Revenue authorities under Specified Trees Act.
Environmentalists have taken strong exception to such ill-planned concept of department to axe medicinal plants for development of Ayush block. "The Ayush and Ayurvedic systems of medicines depend on medicinal plants, and as per laid guidelines, there must be a medicinal plants garden near the hospital. But instead of re-transplanting the trees, the department has opted for most easiest way of cutting down trees", Anil, an environmentalist, said.
He said the department must shift the location of building as in entire Jammu city, there are very few Belpatri plants and use of its leaves for medicinal purposes has increased in last few years. "It is most unfortunate that department is going to fell down all the precious trees", Anil added.
Director of Ayush Neeraj Gupta was not available for comments and the Personal Assistant asked to talk with Superintendent of Ayurvedic hospital.
Superintendent of Hospital, Taran Singh said that all the decisions were taken by higher authorities and that he was unaware about the matter.
Executive Engineer of GMC, Uttar Kumar said that the authorities had proposed the site and the map were cleared by Jammu Municipal Corporation. "Probably there is not any other space to make the building, so this site has been chosen", he said. |
