Why should DSCC fell trees when the capital needs more?
04 February 2023
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) felled around 300 trees planted on the median strip of Saat Masjid Road in Dhanmondi to expand the island, much to the dismay of environmentalists and locals. The felling began over three weeks ago from Zigatola to Shankar's Saat Masjid road, a stretch of around 900 metres. Locals have held human chains over the last few days, demanding an immediate end to the mindless felling of trees.
DSCC cleared the area to expand the median strip without permission from the forest department. The cabinet division in February last year made it mandatory to secure permission to cut any trees even at one's homestead. During a recent visit to the area, it was found that the space between the newly constructed strip does not have enough space for planting trees. Besides, another 400 metres of the existing strip have been removed, causing the trees to fall on the road.
Two weeks ago the trees were cut down at night. Gradually, all the trees were cut down by a crane. These trees are used to give shade to the entire road. Development work should not be done at the expense of trees. The trees have been here for almost 30 years. Now the entire road is barren. This is a short-sighted decision that will have long-lasting impacts. The city corporation should have consulted with the community before making such a drastic move.
City dwellers have been inhaling the worst polluted air for most of the days of the winter season, which means children and adults should not go outside their homes. Due to construction work in several neighbourhoods and pollution, liveability is hampered seriously. With little vegetation and shrinking urban greenery, city people have little eye soothing space. More and more open space, greenery, urban vegetation and roadside gardening will enable the city to be liveable and heal the citizens' anxieties.
