Sherpur Municipality Rooftop Garden Wins National Award for Environmental Excellence

The rooftop garden of the Sherpur Municipality office has been awarded third place at the national level for its extensive biodiversity, methodical layout, and consistent maintenance. The recognition was announced during ceremonies marking World Environment Day, the Environment Fair 2026, and the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2026.

Arifa Siddika, Deputy Director of Local Government for Sherpur district and Administrator of the Sherpur Municipality, accepted the national award on August 9 at a ceremony held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

Spanning approximately 4,880 square feet of the municipal office’s rooftop, the garden houses an array of flora, including 10 species of forest trees, 20 types of fruit-bearing trees, 18 varieties of medicinal plants, and nearly 200 species of flowers and ornamental plants. The collection also includes nine species of indigenous plants on the verge of extinction, 10 types of orchids, seven rare species, and 18 varieties of vegetables.

The initiative to establish the garden began around 2020. Following Arifa Siddika’s appointment as administrator in September 2025, the project was expanded and reorganized. Under the supervision of Assistant Tax Collector Md. Sarwar Jahan, the plants were arranged systematically, with each specimen labeled with its scientific name to facilitate public education.

The garden is divided into distinct zones for flowers, fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. Plants are housed in a combination of drums, pots, and hanging planters, designed to ensure optimal access to sunlight and ventilation. Features include a water reservoir containing water lilies and lotuses, as well as integrated branches of an existing mango tree that extend from the lower levels to merge with the rooftop canopy.

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Local officials, including Sherpur District Council Administrator Md. Mamunur Rashid Palash, have lauded the project as a testament to disciplined planning and aesthetic commitment. Beyond its role as an office feature, the garden serves as a model for urban greening in areas with limited space.

The municipal administration intends for this project to bolster Sherpur’s reputation as an aesthetic and tourist-friendly destination. By aligning the city’s branding with eco-friendly urban planning, officials hope to inspire citizens to adopt rooftop gardening, further enhancing the city’s environmental profile.

Administrator Arifa Siddika credited the success to the collective efforts of the municipal staff, noting that the national recognition has significantly encouraged the local administration to continue its commitment to urban sustainability.