The road leading to the capital’s airport now features imported bonsai trees from China and Taiwan. The Roads and Public Paths (SOAZ) department planted the trees in 2017 to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal. However, the planting of these non-native, high-value trees has faced strong resistance from environmentalists and botanists, leading to a lack of further progress. Trees are located along the road from Nikunj to the Radisson Hotel, but there is a noticeable lack of tree maintenance. Khaled Sarkar took the photograph of the trees on Wednesday afternoon.
The predominant soil type in Dhaka is red dirt. The primary tree found there is the Shal tree. A Shal seedling costs 9 taka, and it is known for its longevity. However, the City Corporation, Environment Department, and Souz have neglected the planting of other trees, such as palm trees, for almost ten years, except for the Shal tree. There are currently no plans to cultivate these trees.
While chalta, amalaki, Gandhi gajari, sinduri, and menda are common co-plants with Shal trees, intentional cultivation of these species is rare. The city comprises residential areas, factories, educational institutions, hospitals, and other facilities, but there is no comprehensive strategy for planting trees in these areas. Many trees along roadsides or in gardens consist of non-native species, and the high cost and contractor’s profit are key factors in planting these exotic plants.
Furthermore, a significant fire has affected the nation, particularly the capital. Naturalists and botanists have expressed concerns about potential future repercussions. Meanwhile, Dhaka’s vegetation and marshes are gradually disappearing, despite the lack of efforts to rescue and protect them.
The capital city has planted trees along the road median from Vijay Sarani to Karwan Bazar. On Wednesday, the footbridges along this road displayed trees planted in plastic baskets. Many of the baskets are damaged. The Department of Environment initiated the ‘Clean Air and Sustainable Environment Project’ (CASE) in 2009, which included the planting of these trees. The majority of the trees on the footbridge are ornamental garden features that appear to be dirty. In 2019, there was much discussion about the uniqueness of this project.
The project aimed to improve air quality, but botanists disagree with the air filtration method, which involves arranging small leafy plants like gardenias or Chinese gorse in baskets.
The temperature in Dhaka is steadily rising. The trees on the road divider between Vijay Sarani and Farmgate Police Box, spanning almost half a kilometre, are relatively new compared to Padchari-Setu. Dhaka North City Corporation planted these trees last year as part of the ‘City Greening’ project. Most of these plants are Chinese togar, characterised by their vibrant and diverse blossoms, making them highly sought-after additions to any garden. Some locations have Jarul and Amalaki trees, and there is also a neem tree along this path.
The book “Handbook on Street Planting: Prepared for Dhaka North City Corporation” contains a number of errors. For example, it features the name of the amlaki tree but shows a visual representation of a different tree. Despite sharing the same name, the shown tree is distinct from the Jhaujatiya tree. The question concerns the extent to which these trees are suitable for the capital. We recommend swapping out the Bhat tree’s image for a different one and replacing the Mender tree with a grapefruit tree. Sonajhuri is the name given to the foreign species of Akashmanigah.
What is the process for planting multiple varieties of exotic trees and pasture trees in the capital? Additionally, the effectiveness of the Akashmani and winter pine trees in mitigating the heat in Dhaka is also a matter of concern. Which tree species are suitable for planting in Dhaka?
According to the soil composition, the sal tree is the dominant tree species in Dhaka’s red clay region. The capital, Lagoa Savar, still has visible rows of palm trees. A layer of red soil covers the landscape, extending from the Terai area of Nepal to the banks of the Buriganga River.
The individual is the Soil Resources Institute’s Chief Scientific Officer. Afshar Ali stated that digging 10 feet of earth in Dhaka will reveal a layer of red soil underneath. However, the addition of soil from other locations has altered the topsoil’s composition. Still, Shall and its associated plants can thrive in Dhaka.
The book “Handbook on Street Planting: Prepared for Dhaka North City Corporation” contains a number of errors. For example, it mentions the name of the amlaki tree, but it shows a visual representation of a different tree. Similarly, the Jhaujatiya tree has the same name but a different visual representation. There are questions about the feasibility of these trees for the capital. We suggest substituting the image of the Bhat tree with a different tree and replacing the Mender tree with a grapefruit tree. Sonajhuri is the name given to the foreign species of Akashmanigah.
What is the process for planting various exotic and pasture trees in the capital? Additionally, the effectiveness of the Akashmani and winter pine trees in mitigating the heat in Dhaka is also a matter of consideration.
Which tree species are suitable for planting in Dhaka?
According to the soil composition, the sal tree is the dominant tree species in Dhaka’s red clay region. The capital, Lagoa Savar, still has visible rows of palm trees. The terrain in Nepal’s Terai area extends to the banks of the Buriganga River, covered with a layer of red dirt.
Afshar Ali, the chief scientific officer at the Soil Resources Institute, stated that digging 10 feet into the dirt in Dhaka will reveal a layer of red soil underneath. However, the addition of soil from other locations has altered the topsoil’s composition. Still, Shall and its associated flora may thrive in Dhaka.
April is the warmest month in the country, characterized by frequent fires. During this time, the rainfall makes the environment more resilient. However, Dhaka experienced a persistent surge in violence throughout April.
Last year in Dhaka (2023), there were 16 consecutive days of fire incidents, preceded by durations of two and seven days in the two years before. From yesterday to Wednesday, there were 14 consecutive days of fires.
The high temperatures have led to a reduction in the urban tree population and wetland areas. Most of the newly planted trees are foreign species. However, RM Dutta and JN Mitra’s 1953 study, ‘Common Plants in and Around Dhaka’, revealed the presence of over 800 tree species in Dhaka.
Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Dhaka University conducted a recent study on tree biodiversity in Dhaka, which revealed that 58 percent of observed species are non-native. About 33 percent of the observed species are ornamental plants, which animals are unlikely to use.