Uprooted trees of Dhaka

NEARLY 100 trees were uprooted in the capital following a nor'wester on a single evening recently. A similar bout of destruction followed a couple of days later as more trees gave in to strong gusts. Injuries to passersby were reported from different parts of the city. The worst affected areas were Manik Mia Avenue, Bijoy Sarani and Agargaon. The wind velocity on the first day was recorded at 83 km/h.

Uprooting of trees during the rain-swept stormy months of April-May is a common seasonal spectacle in Dhaka. In the last ten years, hundreds of century-old trees have fallen in this city. Some fell on pedestrians and moving vehicles during the storms. Most of these trees lined the major streets, notably the road running toward south between the Dhaka Medical College and the University Playground. Many trees were too old at the roots. Compared to them, trees in the Agargaon area and Manik Mia Avenue are younger and smaller in size. The havoc wrought by recent storms on these plants is unusual leading to disbelief. A number of city planners have pointed the finger at the lack of care for the trees on the part of concerned agencies. They blamed lack of proper nurturing of the trees for the devastation.

It takes just a few minutes for a tree to come crashing down. But a sapling requires years of care as it grows into a fully-bloomed tree. This is where the authorities concerned perform sloppily. The trees somehow get taller and grow thick foliage, flowers and fruits. But in reality they remain weak and vulnerable. Dhaka has been famous for its roadside trees for nearly three centuries. Cyclones and nor'westers have battered the capital repeatedly. But the massive, old trees remained in place, demonstrating their majestic presence. It's just old age and the assaults of time that made them fragile and weak. But the case of the younger trees is different. They tell the tale of sheer indifference towards them.

Planting of trees is easy. But reaching the goal of a green and ideal city demands plenty of arduous tasks.

Selim Abdul Hai

Bailey Road, Dhaka