Kurigram Village Offers Natural Cooling Model Amid Rising Temperatures
Photo Collected
As northern Bangladesh grapples with an intensifying heatwave, a small village in Kurigram district has emerged as an unlikely sanctuary, maintaining temperatures significantly lower than the surrounding region. Located 14 kilometers from the district town in Rajarhat upazila, the village of Shitolirpath offers a stark contrast to the oppressive heat felt in nearby markets, where residents often struggle under a blistering sun.
Data from the Rajarhat Meteorological and Agricultural Observatory confirms the village’s cooling effect. On June 1, as temperatures in the district town hit 35 degrees Celsius, Shitolirpath remained at a temperate 33 degrees. Local residents describe a microclimate defined by abundant greenery, dense vegetation—including betel nut groves and ancient mango trees—and a pervasive network of household ponds that act as natural cooling agents.
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The ecological harmony of the village is sustained by its inhabitants, who have long prioritized the preservation of water bodies and native flora. For the people of Shitolirpath, this environment is both a lifestyle and a livelihood. Small-scale aquaculture and horticulture provide economic security, while the village’s layout fosters a communal spirit. The area surrounding the Shitolidebi temple serves as the social heart of the village, where residents gather under the shade of massive banyan trees. The village even hosts a music school for children, established with the support of Norwegian researcher Vera Seder, who was inspired by the area’s tranquil atmosphere.
Beyond its social significance, Shitolirpath has gained a reputation among birdwatchers and photographers for its rich biodiversity. Experts note that the village provides a habitat for rare species rarely seen in the flatlands of Bangladesh, including the crimson sunbird and the red-necked falcon. Filmmaker Askar Ibne Firoz, who has documented the local bird population, expressed surprise at the presence of species typically found only in distant hilly regions or specialized forest habitats.
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Professor Tuhin Wadud of Begum Rokeya University attributes this phenomenon to the villagers’ commitment to traditional environmental stewardship. By preserving large trees and wetlands, the community has created a self-regulating ecosystem that absorbs heat and retains moisture. He suggests that Shitolirpath serves as a practical model for climate adaptation in a region where the broader trend is concerning.
Official figures indicate that Kurigram has experienced a 5.3-degree Celsius rise in maximum temperatures over the past six years, a shift largely attributed to climate change and erratic rainfall patterns. While the region faces a future of escalating heat, experts argue that the success of Shitolirpath demonstrates that reforestation and the protection of wetlands remain the most effective tools for tempering the impact of a changing global climate.
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