Jahangirnagar University campus is as well-known for its biodiversity as it is for its education and research. However, in recent years, the university’s greenery has diminished. High-rise buildings have been constructed, there is no planned waste management, and the water bodies are filled with water hyacinths. The sight of migratory birds playing in the winter waters is becoming rare. The once lively lakesides now occasionally host a few crows.

Environmental scientists and urban planners say the university's biodiversity is under threat. The indiscriminate cutting of trees for infrastructure development, along with administrative negligence, is to blame.

According to the Zoology Department of Jahangirnagar University, the number of migratory birds visiting the campus has declined this winter as in the previous two. Once, the campus was home to over 110 species of butterflies; now, it is down to 57.

Professor Monowar Hossain from the Department of Zoology explained, “The number of trees and shrubs conducive to reproduction has decreased. As a result, there’s less food for butterflies and fewer places for insects to lay eggs. Ultimately, the diversity of butterfly species is dwindling.”

Decline in Greenery

“Unplanned” construction of one building after another has reduced the green areas of Jahangirnagar University. Over the past nine years, about 85 acres of land have been used for infrastructure development, leading to the inevitable cutting of trees.

Satellite imagery from 2015 to 2023 shows that the 697.56-acre campus has seen its green coverage shrink by 3% and water bodies by 2%. Meanwhile, infrastructure development has increased by 5%. In 2015, green coverage was 56%, but it dropped to 53% by 2023, meaning 20 acres of greenery have been lost. Infrastructure, which covered 6% of the land in 2015, now occupies 11%, indicating 34.85 acres of land have been newly developed.

In 2018, an extensive development project worth BDT 1,445.36 crore was launched to construct 24 facilities. The university's most comprehensive master plan, drafted by architect Mazharul Islam, was allegedly not followed during the project’s implementation.

Professor Md. Jamal Uddin Runu from the Department of Environmental Sciences said, “Trees had to be cut down for construction. This has not only destroyed the greenery in those areas but has also led to the loss of local fauna.”

As part of the development project, extension buildings have been constructed behind the Social Sciences Faculty and in the wooded areas in front of Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall, among other places. Over 50 acres of forested land have been cleared for these developments.

Updated satellite images of these areas are unavailable, but over the past nine years, approximately 85 acres of greenery have been cleared for infrastructure development. Meanwhile, the campus’s water bodies have reduced from 38% to 36%.

Waste Everywhere

The university lacks a centralized waste management system. Its sole recycling plant has been non-functional for several years. As a result, waste is scattered in open spaces and water bodies across the campus, posing risks to both human health and the environment.

During a field visit, garbage was found in areas like the main sports field, the amphitheater, near the old Arts Building, and several student halls.

Dr. Md. Shamsur Rahman, head of the university’s medical center, said, “Throwing garbage in open spaces can spread airborne diseases as various germs mix with the air.”

Beauty Akter, a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Sciences, said, “Soil has a specific quality that is deteriorating due to waste. Harmful substances from waste are mixing with our food and water.”

Migratory Birds Losing Habitat

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jahangirnagar University recorded a record number of migratory birds. But their numbers have since declined over the past two winters. Typically, birds start arriving at the end of September and settle in four to five lakes. However, even in the middle of this winter, only one lake has any birds.

The lake hosting birds this year is off-limits to the public, allowing them to stay undisturbed. However, birds initially appeared at other lakes this season but left due to noise and mismanagement.

According to a survey by the Zoology Department, over 8,000 birds from 12 species, including some endangered ones, visited the campus in 2020-21, the highest in three decades. But the number halved the following winter and has remained low since. This year, experts predict an even lower count.

They attribute this to crowding around lakeside shops, vehicle noise, and the lack of timely maintenance and administrative action.

Professor Md. Kamrul Hasan from the Department of Zoology noted, “The first bird of the season arrived at the university’s Wildlife Rescue Center on October 13. Fewer birds have come this year compared to last. The main reason is noise.”

Ten out of the university’s 29 lakes are almost entirely filled with garbage and water hyacinths. While the remaining lakes have water, aquatic weeds make them unsuitable for birds.

A field visit to the largest lake (Joypara Lake) revealed it is filled with large water hyacinths. Experts said this prevents birds from settling and finding food.

Environmental scientists and urban planners emphasize the need for a comprehensive master plan before initiating development projects. According to university sources, a feasibility study was conducted by BUET (Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology) before the development project began. It recommended that buildings taller than six stories be constructed 100-200 meters away from the main roads to ensure birds can move freely. However, four buildings between 10 and 11 stories are being built within this range, potentially obstructing bird movement.

The Department of Environment was supposed to issue clearance for tree-cutting under the project. However, the environmental impact assessment report submitted to the department, which proposed cutting 1,500 trees, was not followed.

Adil Mohammad Khan, executive director of the Institute for Planning and Development and a professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, said, “A master plan was essential before initiating this project. Without it, environmental damage could not be avoided.” He still urges the administration to create a master plan.

Professor Jamal Uddin Runu stated, “Stakeholders and experts were not consulted during the planning and implementation of the project. Environmental concerns were not integrated into the plan.”

Professor Kamrul Hasan from the Department of Zoology suggested, “If the lakes are maintained properly, birds will return. The rising number of vehicles and their noise scare them. The administration must take measures to provide safe habitats for birds.”

What the Administration Says

The acting director of the Planning and Development Office, Engineer Md. Nasir Uddin, said, “For the sake of infrastructure development, some trees have to be cut. However, the administration plans to plant trees around the newly constructed buildings as part of the project.”

Attempts to contact the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kamrul Ahsan, for his comments were unsuccessful.