Stop planting eucalyptus

Monsoon is the best time to plant trees. So, we start planting more trees in June every year, and it continues till September. What does not get enough attention, however, is the importance of choosing the right kind of trees. According to a recent study, exotic tree plantation can have a wider influence on the native biodiversity. Many people in Bangladesh plant exotic trees like eucalyptuses intentionally or unintentionally. This tree provides more money because of the timber and as it grows in a very short time compared to other trees. But it has a number of adverse impacts on our life and environment. The tree contributes to drying soil by transpiring water 18-20 times more than any other tree. If eucalyptuses are allowed to grow around a natural reservoir for about 10 years at a number of 10 per cent of total trees, water level is likely to reduce by 20 per cent, according to a study.
Experts say that pollen emission from the eucalyptus flowers is also high, which may cause respiratory problems to humans. Despite all the negative impacts of eucalyptus, people are still planting it for financial gain. As our ground water level is decreasing, we need to formulate a plan under which we will be able to get rid of harmful exotic trees like eucalyptus.
Badsha Faysal,
Jurain, Dhaka,
badshafaysal1998@gmail.com