Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) is giving advice and support to people interested in rooftop gardening. At its stall at the national tree fair under way in Agargaon in the capital, visitors are getting information, advice, a complete guidebook and direct consultation with experts.

The DNCC said that people who want to start a rooftop garden, or already have one, are being advised on plant types, soil quality, pesticide management and use of rainwater. This is the DNCC's first such initiative at the tree fair.

It said experts will also visit rooftop gardens in person to give support, and a guidebook is being given out free so that those interested can get a basic idea and the information they need.

Although urbanisation has reduced green space, rooftop gardens can play a positive role in the urban environment, the DNCC said, so various kinds of support to interest city dwellers in rooftop gardening will continue.

An environmental organisation called Green Savers is working with the city corporation at the stall.

Md Muntasir, a probationary officer at Green Savers, told Jagonews24 that 46 people had taken their help so far. Some had already started rooftop gardens and others would start soon. The activity will run for the whole month, and anyone keen on rooftop gardening who comes will be given full support.

Muntasir said a location will be set later where various rooftop garden materials will be given out free.

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