Blazing bloom in concrete jungle

The site of Krishnachura on the roadside brings a soothing effect on city birds. The photo was taken from the Crescent Lake Road yesterday. PHOTO: SK Enamul Haq

Radhachura, Shonalu, Jarul blooms almost at the same time of the year. These flowers have no sweet fragrance to offer but they cheer up the ambiance of the lifeless landscape of concrete jungle surrounded by the hustle bustle of city life.

"The miracles of season's change and the wonders of nature is missing from the city life. We have sent all the greeneries, the vibrant flowering trees to exile", said architect Saif ul Haque.

"Urban planners in recent times have totally ignored the idea of having trees in the street side, strolling along under its shed or sitting in the car, gazing at the colourful flowering trees. These are all simple pleasures of life", he added.

There is however a few patches of flowering trees still left in the city Haque mentioned.

Krishnachura branches sway with the southern summer breeze while visitors at the crescent lake road mostly couples exult in its grandeur.

Commuters relish the sunny sight of Radhachura at the Shangshad Avenue. Off limits to public, buoyant Shonalu adorns the tunnel road inside the Shangshad bhaban premise. The yellow landscape however, peeps through the fence giving much delight to pedestrians.

Jarul blossoms with a little sprinkle of shower during the late summer. Its lavender shades soothe the weary eyes of the city dwellers.

Haque gives details of Dhaka's tradition. Ramna has a long tradition of flowering trees that takes us back to Mughal era. Ramna was once called the "Badshahi bagh" during the 17th century.

The tradition of tree plantation continued till the British era. During the Bengal partition in 1905 to 1911 there was a plan to make the city more attractive. Landscape architects planned the entire area of Ramna back then.

Later when Dhaka University was established in 1921 lands from Ramna area was allotted to the institute.

Shangshad Bhaban owes all its magnificence to the romantic visionary Luis Kahn, the architect. During 1960s he designed today's Shangshad Bhaban and its surroundings.

Dhanmondi residential area was also planned during the 60s. One thing is common in all of these areas, the charming flowering trees.

"Most of these planning ended during the 80s. Development works increased. We began to utilise every inch possible for commercial purpose. With the construction of high-rises the city skyline began to change", said Haque.

"Today it is all hard concrete. I don't know how long we will admire the flowering trees that still pleases our eyes".

Often the clutches of cruel civilisation takes its toll on these trees. In the name of beautification and modernisation, true beauty is devoured by builders, creating a city devoid of any colour and life.