Shamiran Biswas

Trees can provide relief by absorbing the heat in the ongoing heat wave. However, nature and environmentalists call to be aware in choosing trees. The heat lasts throughout the month of April. Experts believe that people are responsible for the heatwave in summer, but it is normal. Trees vary by nature and region. Planting trees without understanding the balance of nature is giving us opposite results. Which has become evident in the ongoing heat flux in people's lives.

In this case, the stakeholders are called upon to come forward with planned plantations that protect the balance of the environment. We have already filled the entire country with foreign trees. For example: Akashmani, Eucalyptus, Mahogany, Randi, Shishu, Ipilipil, Chambal, Kontaktura, Lambu etc. Biodiversity of my country with foreign plants, animals, birds, insects, butterflies is not dependent at all! Therefore, in the larger interest of the country i.e. sustainable biodiversity, temperature control and climate change avoidance of all these exotic plants; Concerned people feel that now is the time to plant native plants.

Agriculture and environmental experts believe now is the time to plant the following native plants for heat control, sustainable biodiversity and combating climate change. Native trees like: Neem, Arjuna, Juniper, Pakor, Fig, Varun, Bahera, Amalki, Hartaki, Hijal, Karas, Kathbadam, Kadam, Krishnachura, Mango, Jackfruit, Jama, Amra, Kamranga, Deua, Gamari, Radhachura, Sonalu etc. Many of the plants are now listed as rare species. Medicinal plants not only bring coolness to nature; It is also helpful in ecological resources. Biodiversity depends on native plants, animals, birds, insects, butterflies etc. This biodiversity will survive if there are native trees. Since creation, people depend on the environment! Without the environment there is no option for life to survive. That is "back to nature" - we all need to go back to nature. People have to go back. And the back means; Surrounded by trees, vines and leaves is our origin nature and habitat.

A mature tree keeps the environment cool by absorbing hundreds of tons of carbon, preventing air pollution and releasing about 100 gallons of water into the air through transpiration on a hot afternoon. Trees create effective sound barriers, trees produce oxygen, trees become "carbon sinks", trees clean the air, trees provide shade and cooling, trees act as wind brakes, trees fight soil erosion, trees increase property values. Let us select the right species to save animal lives, plant trees and protect people from unintended disasters.

Author, Agriculture and Environment Specialist, Dhaka.