Planting environmentally friendly trees is more crucial than enhancing beauty

April, the relentless month. This time, Dhaka residents experienced the scorching heatwave, reminiscent of Eliot's burnt land. Across the country, there's an intense heatwave prevailing. And Dhaka is like a blazing furnace. The biggest reason for this is the lack of trees in Dhaka. There are no open spaces, no water reservoirs. That's why Dhaka residents are facing this hot inferno.

Only 2% of Dhaka's area is covered with trees, while it should ideally be at least 20%. Additionally, the water bodies have decreased by almost 3%, now comprising only 21% of the total area. According to a study published in the media yesterday (April 28), it has been found that although some trees have been planted in Dhaka, the majority of them are not environmentally friendly.

There is no correlation between Dhaka's weather and soil with those trees. They are not beneficial but rather detrimental. These trees consume excessive amounts of water and do not produce enough oxygen. Researchers from the Department of Botany at Dhaka University, including Rama Park, Sohrawardi Udyan, and the vicinity of Dhaka University, have conducted studies and found that 58% of the trees in these areas are foreign species.

Ornamental plants have 30 percent. In addition, a 2021 study published in the Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy found that 15 species of trees were found along road divides, 9 of which were invasive alien species.

Researchers have found that trees such as Shal, Chalta, and Sinduri thrive well in Dhaka's red soil. They harmonize well with the environment. However, not a single tree of these species has been planted in the past decade. Botanists suggest that trees with large leaves should be planted in Dhaka. Large leaves accelerate the process of carbon dioxide absorption and produce more oxygen.

However, many foreign species of trees are being planted under the guise of beautification. According to official records, most of the trees planted under the Dhaka North City Corporation's 'Nagar Shobujayon' project last year include Chinese Togor, Rangan and Bougainvillea. Some places have also seen the plantation of Tamarisk. Professor Mohammad Jashim Uddin of the Department of Botany at Dhaka University has informed the media about how foreign species of trees and invasive species are being planted in the capital.

The overall chaotic situation of urbanization seems to emerge through it. It is evident that our policymakers are somewhat unaware. On one hand, they are destroying all open spaces in the name of development, degrading the Dhaka cityscape by deforestation. On the other hand, even in the name of tree plantation, they are committing various irregularities. It seems they are unaccountable anywhere. Why, aren't there any botanists in the country?

Why can't their advice be sought before planting trees? Then what is the purpose of the Department of Botany at Dhaka University? It's not just about showcasing beauty anymore; it's urgent to plant environmentally friendly trees as much as possible to cool down the Dhaka city.

Due to various reasons, the capital Dhaka is on the brink of destruction. There may still be time to take appropriate steps to save the Dhaka city. We hope that the city authorities will save Dhaka, thus saving our lives too. At least, through tree plantation in Dhaka, the city authorities will demonstrate their wisdom - that much confidence we can have.