DNCC to plant 5 lakh trees in 5 years, 55,000 already planted: Administrator

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan has pledged to make the capital a cleaner, greener and more liveable city, announcing a five-year plan to plant 500,000 trees across northern Dhaka.

Of the target, around 55,000 trees have already been planted, he said.

The DNCC administrator made the remarks on Saturday while inaugurating a tree plantation programme in Uttara.

He said the government would provide all-out support for the city corporation’s efforts to increase greenery across Dhaka.

“Tree plantation is important not only for increasing greenery but also for reducing urban temperatures, improving air quality and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change,” Shafiqul Islam Khan said.

Trees to be planted across DNCC areas

Under the five-year programme, trees will be planted along roads and medians, in parks and open spaces, on canal banks and at other suitable locations across the DNCC area.

Priority will be given to native and environment-friendly species, while steps will also be taken to ensure proper care and maintenance after planting, the administrator said.

He noted that the Prime Minister had announced a plan to plant 25 crore trees nationwide over five years, saying the DNCC was also placing particular emphasis on expanding Dhaka’s green cover.

“Alongside the nationwide initiative, we are also placing importance on increasing greenery in Dhaka,” he said.

Citizens’ role vital in keeping Dhaka clean

Shafiqul Islam Khan said the DNCC would make every effort to keep the capital clean, but stressed that the city corporation could not achieve the goal without the active participation of residents.

He urged people not to throw rubbish indiscriminately and to dispose of waste at designated places.

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“Keeping the city clean requires a change in citizens’ habits. Everyone must play their part in keeping their surroundings clean and protecting the environment,” he said.

According to the DNCC, the tree plantation programme will be implemented in phases across different parts of its jurisdiction. Alongside planting new trees, authorities will focus on ensuring their maintenance and survival.

The administrator stressed that urban development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand.

“Development should not come at the cost of the environment. Adequate greenery is essential for creating a healthy and liveable city,” he said.

Shafiqul Islam Khan expressed hope that the five-year programme would significantly expand greenery in northern Dhaka and help transform the capital into a cleaner, greener and more liveable city.