Trees are the lungs of our planet-essential not just for our environment, but for our very survival. They keep the air clean, protect the soil, shelter wildlife, and stabilize the climate. Experts suggest that at least a quarter of a country's land should be forest-covered to maintain ecological balance. But it's important to remember that not all trees offer the same benefits. Some, though seemingly useful or attractive, can be harmful. Among them, eucalyptus stands out-a tree that brings more harm than good to our ecosystem, particularly in the context of Bangladesh.
Originally from Australia, Eucalyptus obliqua was first admired for its tall, elegant form and fast growth. With over 700 species, eucalyptus has managed to spread across the globe, from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia to vast parts of India. Countries in Africa, Europe, and the Americas have embraced it-both for commercial use and its ornamental appeal. Its reddish to yellowish-brown wood is highly valued by furniture makers, while its bark, leaves, and flowers produce kino, tannins, and a fragrant oil used in antiseptics and insect repellents. Some species even secrete gum, earning the nickname "gum trees." But beauty can be deceiving-and in the case of eucalyptus, dangerously so.
Eucalyptus made its way into Bangladesh in the 1930s, first introduced by tea estates in the eastern regions as an ornamental tree. In the decades that followed, particularly during the 1980s, its cultivation expanded rapidly. Government-led afforestation programs and private ventures alike distributed saplings-often free of cost. The idea was simple: grow trees fast, harvest valuable timber quickly. Unfortunately, by the time the Ministry of Environment and Forest realized the negative consequences and removed eucalyptus from its plantation programs in 1995, but it was already too late. The damage was done, and the tree had taken root-literally and figuratively-across the country.
At first glance, eucalyptus seems like a practical choice. It grows fast, adapts to various climates, and yields valuable wood. But hidden beneath these advantages lies an environmental cost that is far too steep. Eucalyptus trees are notorious for their extreme water consumption. Each tree can draw moisture from a radius of up to 10 feet and as deep as 50 feet underground. In a water-stressed country like Bangladesh, this is alarming. Research shows that eucalyptus transpires 18 to 20 times more water than most native trees. If just 10% of trees surrounding a natural reservoir are eucalyptus, the water level could drop by 20% over a decade. Such a drop can devastate local water availability-impacting not just the environment but also agriculture and livelihoods.
Beyond water loss, eucalyptus affects soil quality and biodiversity. It releases allelopathic chemicals into the soil-compounds that suppress the growth of surrounding plants. As a result, the land under eucalyptus groves becomes barren. Even when the trees are cut down, the soil remains damaged for years. The fallen leaves decompose slowly and release tannins, which further degrade soil fertility. In areas heavily planted with eucalyptus, you'll rarely see shrubs or undergrowth, and bird activity is minimal. This isn't just an ecological inconvenience-it's a biodiversity crisis in the making.
The problems don't stop there. Experts warn that the flowers and fruits of eucalyptus trees contribute to air pollution. High pollen emissions are linked to respiratory problems and allergic reactions. In densely planted areas, there have been noticeable spikes in breathing issues and even cardiovascular symptoms. The antiseptic properties of eucalyptus, while useful in medicine, also repel beneficial insects and affect pollinators.
Despite these glaring concerns, the tree continues to spread-largely driven by economic incentives. In districts like Rajshahi, Rangpur, Dinajpur, Sirajganj, Pabna, and Kushtia, eucalyptus trees line the roadsides, office premises, and household yards. Many landowners, fully aware of the tree's drawbacks, continue to grow it because of the quick and lucrative return on investment. Timber from eucalyptus can be harvested in just 10 to 12 years-a timeframe that's hard to beat. Nurseries across the country still produce and sell these saplings in large quantities, often without any regulation.
The irony is stark. In trying to plant more trees-a noble effort to combat climate change and promote sustainability-we've opened the door to a silent ecological crisis. The very act meant to protect the environment is now threatening it. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has officially banned eucalyptus and Akashmoni saplings. Yet enforcement remains weak. The tree still thrives, especially in the northern parts of the country where rainfall is already limited, compounding its negative impact.
Another worrying aspect is fire risk. Eucalyptus trees contain oils that are highly flammable-a well-documented hazard in Australia where bushfires are increasingly fueled by these very trees. In a densely populated and disaster-prone country like Bangladesh, this is a ticking time bomb. And even if one attempts to remove them, it's not easy. Eucalyptus stumps regenerate aggressively unless they are fully uprooted, making their eradication both costly and labor-intensive.
So where do we go from here?
Restoring ecological balance will require more than just bans and warnings. We need a deliberate, well-funded national reforestation strategy that promotes native and environmentally compatible species-particularly those that bear fruit, provide quality timber, and offer medicinal benefits. Tree planting efforts must be guided by local environmental conditions. Communities already possess the knowledge and capability to plant trees. What's needed is awareness, guidance, and proper policy support. Nurseries should stop producing eucalyptus saplings, and the government must ensure strict enforcement of the ban.
Eucalyptus may offer quick profits, but the long-term costs-environmental degradation, water loss, habitat destruction, and public health risks-are far too high. We must move away from this harmful trend and invest in sustainable, biodiversity-friendly forestry. Only then can we ensure a greener, safer, and more resilient future for Bangladesh.
