Dhaka South, Forest Department sign MoU for urban afforestation, greening initiative
In the first phase of the agreement, grass and trees will be planted on six medians spanning approximately 16 kilometres out of 35 medians, totalling 81.10 kilometres in length under Dhaka South City Corporation’s jurisdiction
Dhaka South City Corporation and the Forest Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today (1 July) to promote afforestation and greening within the Dhaka South areas.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Dhaka South Administrator Mohammad Shahjahan Mia, with Corporation Secretary Muhammad Shafiqul Islam representing Dhaka South and Dhaka Social Forestry Circle Conservator of Forests Hossain Muhammad Nishad representing the Forest Department, according to a press release.
This five-year agreement aims to control environmental pollution, including air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution, and temperature regulation in the Dhaka South areas.
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The initiative focuses on landscape development, climate change impact mitigation through afforestation and greening, and overall environmental improvement through beautification.
Under the agreement, the Forest Department will provide technical advice and comprehensive support for urban forestry programmes funded by the city corporation in selected locations within Dhaka South.
Additionally, the Forest Department will prepare and supply Dhaka South with afforestation management and monitoring manuals. The agreement ensures community participation in post-afforestation care and protection.
In the first phase of the agreement, grass and trees will be planted on six medians spanning approximately 16km out of 35 medians, totalling 81.10km in length under Dhaka South's jurisdiction.
"The 1917 plan envisioned Dhaka as a garden city. However, due to unplanned urbanisation, housing pressure, and population growth, Dhaka has lost its greenery and water bodies. If we don't take effective measures now, it will become an abandoned city." Shahjahan Mia said during the signing ceremony.
He said Dhaka South is taking planned afforestation and greening initiatives to save Dhaka city, with Tk50 lakh allocated for tree plantation in the new fiscal year.
Shahjahan also expressed gratitude to the Forest Department for the MoU signing.
