Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) mayor Atiqul Islam has called for at least two trees to be planted at every house.

He made the call as chief guest at a discussion and tree-planting programme on greening for sustainable cities and settlements, organised by Wase, an organisation working to improve the environment, at Milestone College in Uttara in the capital on the afternoon of 9 September.

Mayor Atiqul Islam said Dhaka was seeing major development, with roads and buildings being built, but development could not come at the cost of the environment. "We are planting trees from the city corporation. We have started a programme to plant two lakh trees in two years. Alongside that, to protect the city's environment, I urge that at least two trees be planted at every house. If RAJUK drafts a policy on this, it will be easier to implement."

The DNCC mayor said Dhaka must be turned into an oxygen hub and a movement built against those who damage the environment. "Because we have harmed the environment, it is taking its revenge today. No tree must be allowed to be cut anywhere. The new generation in particular must become aware of this. Trees must be planted wherever there is an opportunity."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.