Greenery can protect vulnerable coastal regions from climate change: Manju

Stressing the urgency of expanding greenery to combat climate change, Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju today said afforestation remains the most effective way to protect the country’s vulnerable coastal regions from the growing impacts of natural disasters.

"Khulna is one of the worst climate change-affected regions. Excessive rainfall, heat waves, salinity intrusion and other natural disasters are forcing many people from the coastal and Sundarbans areas to migrate to cities after losing their livelihoods. There is no alternative to tree plantation to address this crisis," he said.

The KCC administrator made the remarks while inaugurating a tree plantation and sapling distribution programme at the United Nations Shishu Park in Khulna city today.

Nagorik Forum-Khulna is implementing the programme in all 31 wards of the city to promote environmental protection and urban greening.

Praising Nagorik Forum as a popular civic organisation, Manju said the forum has long been working to improve public services.

He urged city residents to contribute to the initiative by planting trees and keeping their surroundings clean, adding that the city corporation would continue supporting the organisation's future activities.

Chaired by Nagorik Forum-Khulna Co-chairman Sardar Abu Taher, the programme was attended by KCC Chief Executive Officer Rajib Ahmed as special guest.

Estate Officer Gazi Salauddin and several civic leaders, including Sanjita Rani, Md Moin Uddin, Sakil Ahmed, Anwar Hossain and Abdur Razzak, were also present. 

During the programme, the KCC administrator distributed 500 saplings among ward committees for plantation in Wards 16 to 31 and planted a sapling at the park.

The organisation said another 500 saplings would soon be distributed for plantation in Wards 1 to 15. 

A colourful rally was later brought out to raise public awareness about tree plantation.