Dhaka North mayor launches plantation of one lakh saplings

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Md Atiqul Islam on Tuesday inaugurated a programme to plant one lakh saplings.

The saplings will be planted in all wards of DNCC this season.

On this occasion, a programme was organised at Mukul Fauj ground of Mirpur Section-10.

The mayor said there is no alternative to planting trees to save Dhaka city and future generations.

"If we each maintain five trees from those that will be planted in the vicinity of every neighbourhood, club, school and college, a revolution will take place," he added.

Atiqul said, "We have taken up a project for planting trees. Individuals and social organisations involved in tree plantation will be included in this project. This committee will decide where and how many trees are there, and how many and which types of trees should be planted."

The mayor said a tax rebate of 10 percent will be given for rooftop gardening.

"However, for transparency and accountability, a committee will be formed with representatives from the environment ministry, the agriculture ministry, civil society, urban planners and environmental organisations. This rebate will be given on the recommendation of the committee," he added.

Atiqul also said that he is thinking of giving a part of the house tax rebate to the houses or establishments where rainwater will be "harvested".

At the end of the meeting chaired by Kazi Zahirul Islam Manik, councillor of DNCC's ward no 3, the mayor planted a few saplings on the Mukul Fauj ground.