Govt bans plantation, sale of eucalyptus, akashmoni saplings

The government has banned the plantation, collection and sale of eucalyptus and akashmoni saplings, aiming to protect the environment, ecosystem and biodiversity in the country, reports BSS.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Thursday issued an official notification in this regard.

According to the notification, in line with national and international commitments, all government and non-government organisations and individuals must replace these invasive species in afforestation programmes with native fruit-bearing, timber, and medicinal plants.

These invasive species absorb excessive amounts of groundwater, which depletes soil moisture and severely affects dry and seasonal climate zones.

The leaves of these trees contain toxins that fall to the ground, rendering the surrounding soil infertile and unsuitable for other plant species. Moreover, these trees pose a threat to local biodiversity, as many native plants, insects, and birds cannot find shelter or food in them.

The ministry has asked all to promote and participate in the plantation of native species to protect the environment and biodiversity.