<p>A government order banning cultivation of both the species would be issued in a month, Minister for Forest C H Vijayashankar told reporters here.<br /><br />Ground water table plummeting below 1,000 feet in parts of Kolar district could be attributed to indiscriminate cultivation of eucalyptus, he pointed out.<br /><br />There are instances of people opting for eucalyptus and acacia cultivation in rain catchment of areas of Malnad and semi-Malnad areas, which was contributing to depletion of underground water level, he said.<br /><br />The Forest Department has been directed to prepare a blue print for increasing the green cover in the state and a policy on planting trees on both sides of roads would soon be announced.<br /><br />Through the policy the government would unveil guidelines on planting specific fruit-bearing saplings, which could also generate income to panchayats, Vijayashankar said.<br /><br />The government is also contemplating to institute awards for forest officials in recognition of their services in enhancing forest cover, promotion of nurseries.</p>
<p>A government order banning cultivation of both the species would be issued in a month, Minister for Forest C H Vijayashankar told reporters here.<br /><br />Ground water table plummeting below 1,000 feet in parts of Kolar district could be attributed to indiscriminate cultivation of eucalyptus, he pointed out.<br /><br />There are instances of people opting for eucalyptus and acacia cultivation in rain catchment of areas of Malnad and semi-Malnad areas, which was contributing to depletion of underground water level, he said.<br /><br />The Forest Department has been directed to prepare a blue print for increasing the green cover in the state and a policy on planting trees on both sides of roads would soon be announced.<br /><br />Through the policy the government would unveil guidelines on planting specific fruit-bearing saplings, which could also generate income to panchayats, Vijayashankar said.<br /><br />The government is also contemplating to institute awards for forest officials in recognition of their services in enhancing forest cover, promotion of nurseries.</p>