The krishnachura (flame) trees lining the road from Dayrapak Mor to Nader Hajir Mor in Rajshahi are turning green again. In December 2025, while laying a pipeline for Rajshahi WASA's water treatment plant project, workers cut the branches of about 100 trees on one side of the road because they obstructed the cranes, and there were fears the trees would not survive.
Visiting on Monday afternoon, Prothom Alo's Shafiqul Islam found new shoots and young leaves growing from the cut branches, dense in places. Trees on the southern side whose branches had been cut have also put out new leaves. One tree died after the cutting, however, and power department workers have since cut branches of several more.
Md Farhad Hossain, manager of Rajshahi City Corporation's environment section, said no one may cut even one branch without the corporation's permission. The power department sometimes cuts branches; if it writes to the corporation, staff can come and show how much needs cutting, but often whole limbs are removed.
Atiqur Rahman, president of the Rajshahi Barendra Youth Forum, said many people sit and rest under the trees and the city corporation must be more responsible. Taijul Islam, who sells tea beside the road, said fewer people came after the branches were cut; as the trees grow back the shade will return, and so will the people. Owners of nearby food stalls and five turf pitches say their business depends on the road's green setting too.
It will take the trees more time to cast their old wide shade. Residents and environmental activists hope tree protection will get attention alongside development work, and that agencies will coordinate to stop unnecessary cutting.
Source: Prothom Alo
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