Wild scent of saptaparni in Rajshahi streets
- City corporation began a tree-planting initiative in 2019
- It has planted 560 saptaparni trees in recent years
- Of these, 350 trees line a 3-km stretch from Railgate to C&B Mor
- Saptaparni trees are durable and provide plenty of shade
- The trees are now in full bloom
As the day draws to a close and the sun rolls back its last rays, the air in the Rajshahi city streets turns intoxicating. The pedestrians, caught in the aroma, will suddenly feel transported to an unknown realm.
This is because the saptaparni, widely known as chhatim (Alstonia Scholaris), are now in full bloom, with their light greenish-white flowers shimmering in daylight and the scent wafting all around after the sunset.
According to Rajshahi City Corporation, while saptaparni trees can be found in other cities, Rajshahi stands out as the first city in Bangladesh to have systematically planted them along its streets.
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In recent years, the city corporation has planted around 560 saptaparni trees along the city's footpaths, creating green corridors along major roads.
Of these, 350 trees are on the three-kilometre route from Railgate to C&B Mor, with others planted near Sipahipara jail and in areas such as Upashahar and Sapura.
These trees, now in full bloom, cover the city in their sweet, distinctive scent.
However, the ongoing flyover construction from Bahrampur Ghora Chattar to Barnali Mor has left some areas covered in dust, making the trees less visible. Despite this, many welcome the fragrant scent as a refreshing change.
Abdur Rashid, a tea vendor in the Lakshmipur area of the city, described the atmosphere, "In the evening, the sweet smell of the flowers fills the air, lifting everyone's spirits. People come just to walk and enjoy the scent. When the wind blows, you can smell it from a distance."
Mohammad Jim, another tea vendor, noted that this year's blooming is exceptional, stating, "I've never seen so many flowers before. The fragrance is strongest after sunset, and students from Rajshahi University and Rajshahi College come to take photos and enjoy tea."
Sumaiya Shammi, a microbiologist at Rajshahi Medical College, explained that the scent travels far at night.
"You can smell it from the medical college road," she said. "But during the day, you have to stand close to catch the scent."
Not everyone is enchanted by the overpowering fragrance.
Mithila, a homemaker, said, "The strong smell gives me headaches and makes me feel nauseous."
The initiative to plant the saptaparni trees began in 2019, though Rajshahi's plans for tree plantation date back to 2009, as part of the "Zero Soil Project".
The project, led by Ashraful Haque, the former Chief Engineer of the Rajshahi City Corporation, aimed to make the city's footpaths and road dividers greener. It was funded by international organisations like ICLEI South Asia and a Norwegian institution, along with support from the government.
This initiative has significantly changed the look of Rajshahi's streets. The Environmental Development Committee of the city corporation chose the Saptaparni trees for their resilience.
Haque said, "We prioritised trees that would thrive in the local climate and withstand the rough conditions of footpaths. Saptaparni trees are durable and provide plenty of shade.
"Sourcing the saplings proved challenging, as local nurseries lacked sufficient stock. Eventually, the city sourced them from Shabuj Nursery in Dhaka's Agargaon area. The saplings were planted along footpaths, protected by bamboo enclosures until they could survive on their own," the engineer added.
The towering trees – some reaching 40 feet – provide vital shade to pedestrians and vendors.
Azad Ali, who sells coconuts at C&B Mor, takes advantage of the cool shelter, saying, "If I leave the coconuts in the sun, they get too hot. So, I stand under the trees to keep them cool."
Professor Mohammad Shahidul Alam, chairman of the Botany department at Rajshahi University, praised the revival of saptaparni trees.
"These trees are not only medicinal but essential for the Barind region's ecosystem. Their revival is crucial for the environment," he added.
In 2019, Rajshahi City Corporation established an Environment Section, employing 80 workers to oversee green projects.
Syed Mahmud Ul Islam, the head of the Environment Section, noted the trees' fast growth and the relief they provide from the scorching heat.
He said, "The fragrance can be smelled from a kilometre away. After the flowers fall, we collect the seeds to grow new saplings."
"Despite this year's intense heatwave, the saptaparni trees have thrived, offering shade and a fragrant retreat from the stresses of urban life.
Their presence not only enhances the city's aesthetic but also plays a key role in cooling the streets and calming its residents," he added.
