Unplanned urbanization has nearly erased greenery from Dhaka city. Yet in recent years, a quiet revolution of urban farming or rooftop gardening has begun to transform the city’s micro‑climate.
This greening has led to the return of many native birds and insects, breathing new life into Dhaka’s urban ecosystem.
Research and Environmental Benefits
- A recent survey by the Bangladesh Bird Club and environmentalists found that areas with more rooftop gardens show increased bird activity.
The Return of Birds
- Species such as tailorbirds, bulbuls, starlings, and even some rare migratory birds are now nesting in rooftop gardens.
- Insects thriving in the plants provide them with a natural food source.
Cooling Effect
- Rooftop gardens reduce indoor building temperatures by 2–3°C, lowering air‑conditioner use and mitigating the urban heat island effect.
Significance
Rooftop gardening is no longer just a hobby; it has become a vital tool for maintaining Dhaka’s environmental balance. The City Corporation’s tax rebate policy for rooftop gardeners should be further expanded to accelerate this green transformation.
This movement shows how even in a dense concrete jungle, nature can reclaim space when given the chance — and in doing so, it reshapes the city’s climate, biodiversity, and quality of life.
