Government bans plantation, collection, sale of eucalyptus and acacia auriculiformis saplings

To protect the environment, ecosystems, and biodiversity, the government has banned the plantation, collection, and sale of eucalyptus and acacia auriculiformis (akashmoni) saplings.

The Forest-1 Wing of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued an official notification today (15 May), announcing the ban, reads a ministry press statement.

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

It is to be noted that 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 urges all organisations and citizens to promote and participate in the plantation of native species to protect the environment and conserve biodiversity.