The hidden cost of 'development' in the Botanical Garden

Yamin Ali, aged 36, lives behind the Muktijoddha Market in Mirpur-1. He has been visiting the National Botanical Garden since childhood. Back then, the garden was much wilder, with many sour fruits freely available.

On this visit, he accompanies a friend intending to bid on seasonal fruits like mangoes and jackfruits. When asked how much the government benefits from such tenders, he replied, "Very little. The animals would benefit more from eating them."

A gardener, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that between 2017 and 2018, a major development project was undertaken. This included deepening water bodies, replacing brick-paved paths with asphalt roads, and other works. While these changes improved the garden's ambience and security, they also harmed its natural essence.

In the rose garden, a sculpture of a hand holding a rose seemed oddly out of place. Similarly, a butterfly sculpture near Shapla Pond appeared incongruent. According to a garden official, these were constructed not by trained sculptors but by local masons.

"We generate around Tk5 crore annually for the government," the official added. "This comes from gate and toilet tickets, fruit sales, and shooting permits. Decorative installations were added to attract visitors and filming groups."

Animal rights activist and writer Bappy Khan emphasised the necessity of urban gardens. "They are essential," he said, "for relieving the fatigue of urban life, accessing clean air, and supporting animal life."

He highlighted the garden's importance as a refuge for both native and exotic plant species, advocating the use of eco-friendly materials like bamboo, wood, and jute rope in park infrastructure.

Reflecting on changes in the garden, Bappy observed that while its management is now more systematic, a number of bird species have also returned, even though animal populations had once declined.

Dhaka has only 11% green coverage. The Botanical Garden, although not officially protected, is among the richest in biodiversity. It should serve as a safe haven for birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Unfortunately, some development efforts have disrupted its natural evolution.

"There's a common misconception that the zoo is only for animals and the Botanical Garden only for plants," said Ashikur Rahman Shami, a wildlife researcher and Assistant Private Secretary to the Advisor of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. "But trees can't thrive without birds. Sadly, human-centred facilities often take priority."

Since 2022, Shami has led a programme called "Wild Walk" at the garden to educate children about plant life and biodiversity. Participants have come from districts including Gazipur, Manikganj, Munshiganj, and Mymensingh.

"You don't see steel fences in botanical gardens abroad," he noted. "But here, we had to install them because people were picking flowers and even uprooting saplings. To protect nature, we've ironically had to confine it. Asphalt roads and red-painted concrete umbrellas are inappropriate. Had people been taught to interact respectfully with nature, less damage would occur. That's why environmental education must be included in school curricula."

He mentioned a recent ban on picnicking in protected zones, including the Botanical Garden. Encouragingly, noise and plastic pollution in the area have decreased significantly over the past six months.

According to a 2021 booklet published by the Forest Department, the National Botanical Garden was established in 1961 on 215 acres. It has a 5-kilometre boundary wall and 7.5 kilometres of internal roads and footpaths. Facilities include a watchtower, seven public toilets, a visitor centre, an administrative building, and a small library. There are three rose gardens, three butterfly gardens, and approximately 80,000 plant species. The garden is home to 190 species of birds, and 15 species each of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Two days later, I visited again and met the current director, Shawkat Imran Arafat, who assumed office in May 2024. He studied Urban Forestry in Seoul, South Korea. His thesis focused on the Bangladeshi government's role in urban greening.

When his professor asked about the locations of Bangladesh's forests, Arafat said they were scattered nationwide. The professor highlighted the importance of urban afforestation, stating, "Cities shape the state. If policymakers don't live amid greenery, they won't value it."

Seoul, once barren due to World War II and the Korean War, had very little greenery by the 1970s. Residents then began replanting the city, carrying saplings and water up hills. By 2000, fifty forests had been established through joint efforts of citizens and officials. Today, over 27% of Seoul is forested.

Arafat contrasted this with Dhaka, where rapid urbanisation has led to widespread deforestation. The 1993 Urban Afforestation project led to large trees in areas like the Cantonment. However, these gains have been reversed by subsequent development. In this context, the Botanical Garden remains a vital green refuge.

He believes certain concrete structures have restricted the garden's natural growth. In response, he has launched a 390-foot-long barefoot trail to reconnect urban residents with the soil. Crews are currently removing glass shards and plastic from the area. Plans are also underway to redesign the children's park using eco-friendly elements such as wooden trails and treehouses.

Arafat is establishing a volunteer team called the "Zero Waste Brigade," comprising 50 students from Bangla College. This group will promote awareness among visitors and advocate for conservation practices.

"Most of the city is designed for people," he explained. "But the Botanical Garden should be a sovereign space for wildlife and vegetation, where they can thrive without interference. That's why I'm not proposing any new structures. However, finishing the incomplete boundary wall remains a top priority."

On the topic of fruit leasing, he said, "This year, only Tk64,000 worth of fruit was sold. That amount is negligible. I've requested permission to stop leasing the fruit altogether." He also noted that although the garden is close to being classified as a fully protected forest, it hasn't yet achieved that status, and he is working toward it.

He clarified that the garden's rest house is used minimally, typically just for researchers or visiting dignitaries.

Dr Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, a respected wildlife conservationist and expert in zoo management, raised concerns about current structural practices in the garden. He proposed a set of fundamental reforms:

Leadership: The heads of both the Botanical Garden and the Zoo should carry the title of Curator and be individuals with a genuine passion for nature. These institutions should primarily be staffed with trained botanists and zoologists. At present, frequent director changes mean more time is spent on administration than on long-term planning.

Institutional realignment: The Botanical Garden and National Herbarium should be separated from the Forest Department. Creating a dedicated institution combining both entities would enhance management and focus.

Preservation of botanical integrity: At least 80–90% of the garden should be preserved exclusively for botanical purposes. It should not be treated as a commercial venue or event space.

Reassessment of development projects: In truth, development projects have brought little benefit. Since 1971, initiatives like digging wetlands for fish farming have often caused more harm than good.

Dr Khan believes these reforms are both practical and achievable under the current government. Institutions like the garden and zoo should be entrusted to those with a deeper understanding and greater sincerity regarding wildlife and nature.

This article was originally published in Bangla and was translated by Anonno Afroz.