In a novel initiative to protect urban biodiversity amidst expanding concrete and shrinking green spaces in the capital, the Dhaka District Administration has established a rooftop sanctuary named “Akash Neer” under the slogan “Welcome to the Kingdom of Birds.”
The project combines greenery, flowers, fruits, water bodies, bird food, and safe shelters to foster a harmonious co-existence between birds and humans while offering city dwellers a peaceful touch of nature amidst urban bustles.
An inauguration event regarding “Akash Neer” was held on Wednesday, chaired by Farida Khanam, deputy commissioner and district magistrate of Dhaka, with Md Moniruzzaman Miah, divisional commissioner of Dhaka Division, attending as the chief guest.
Speaking at the ceremony, Farida noted that serene green spaces and bird chirps have become increasingly rare in the city of brick and stone, but can be revived through initiative, love, and creativity.
She emphasised that “Akash Neer” is not merely a rooftop garden, but a small yet meaningful endeavour to bring back urban greenery and biodiversity, creating an environment where birds can safely shelter, feed, and roam freely.
Highlighting the features of the sanctuary, Farida disclosed that “Akash Neer” houses 418 plants across 58 species. This includes 229 flowering plants of 30 species to support bird food and pollination, 41 fruit trees of 14 species as natural food sources, and 44 ornamental plants of 11 species to enrich biodiversity.
For aquatic features and shelter, the rooftop includes water bodies adorned with lotus and water lilies, alongside a bird bath, artificial bamboo bushes, bird houses, and large canopy trees. Additionally, regular feeding arrangements have been established for local rabbits, monkeys, and squirrels.
Farida urged every citizen to plant at least one tree according to their capacity and transform rooftops into green spaces to make Dhaka more liveable, vibrant, and beautiful.
She added that nature conservation is not solely the government’s duty but a collective responsibility of every citizen, closely tied to health, well-being, and a safe life for future generations.
Moniruzzaman noted that rapid urbanisation has severely curtailed green spaces and biodiversity, turning rooftop gardening into a vital necessity for urban environmental protection rather than simple aesthetic enhancement.
He called upon private individuals and corporate institutions to join government efforts in greening rooftops to drive collective environmental change.
He added that the initiative helps bridge the gap between humans and nature while fostering environmental responsibility among children and young people.
Beyond its ecological benefits for birds, “Akash Neer” offers city residents a tranquil retreat equipped with umbrellas and wooden chairs amidst floral scents and bird calls.
Officials from the Dhaka District Administration expressed hope that “Akash Neer” will transcend a single rooftop and evolve into a broader concept, creating a new green belt across Dhaka’s concrete landscape.
