Khulna: Rooftop gardening is steadily gaining popularity across Khulna, emerging as a widespread trend among city residents. Enthusiastic home owners have transformed thousands of rooftops across the industrial city into vibrant gardens. These rooftop spaces are now adorned with various local and foreign flower species, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, apart from serving as a source of recreation, rooftop gardening is also contributing to the availability of chemical-free fruits and vegetables while enhancing urban greenery. Residents say the hobby not only brings them joy but also plays a role in ensuring a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. It has been changing the scenarios recently in the city areas, with people cultivating different types of vegetables, fruits, and flowers in their rooftop gardens throughout the year.
Some years ago, it was observed that only a few garden-loving individuals in the district engaged in this venture by utilizing the space on their house rooftops to enjoy nature. Hasna Hena, a 54-year-old resident of the city's Gollamari area, shared that she has been farming vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, and chillies on her three-story building's rooftop for the past four years. Initially a hobby, her garden now meets some of her family's daily needs.
Abu Md Masud, owner of Dalia Nursery, noted that there is an increasing trend of people purchasing seeds and plants for rooftop cultivation. Similarly, Rustom Sardar from Janani Nursery mentioned that vegetables and fruit trees are now more prevalent than flowers in these gardens.
Farhana Subha and Saidul Haque Sumon from the Boyra residential area have also maintained a rooftop garden, which began a decade ago in a small apartment. Meanwhile, Afia Chowdhury Moumi, a kindergarten teacher, emphasizes the importance of gardening for connecting children with nature, viewing her plants as integral parts of her home environment.
Md Rafiqul Islam, additional director of the Department of Khulna Agriculture Zone, highlighted the role of rooftop gardens in addressing climate change impacts and urged residents to engage in the initiative. Professor Dr. Md Mujibor Rahman from Khulna University added that these gardens help mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect by absorbing excess heat.