The study found that in 1989, 17 percent of the total land was covered with healthy green spaces, which has now dropped to 2 percent. This portion of land is limited to four areas. One area is the Botanical Garden, the National Zoo and the old airport. The second area is Sangsad Bhawan and Gana Bhawan. The third area is Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Hare Road, Gulistan Park, Osmani Udyan and Bangabhaban. The fourth area is Purvanchal, a new city area.
Mustafizur Rahman, professor in the department of environmental sciences at Jahangirnagar University, said there is scope for planting many trees in open spaces, playgrounds and around water bodies and on both sides of the roads.
He also suggested planting local and fruit trees as these play a role in reducing the temperature.
*This article, which was originally published in Prothom Alo print and online editions, has been rewritten in English by Rabiul Islam
