As far as the eye can see, food stalls crowd every nook and corner, offering everything from "bhaja puras" to Chinese dishes. Tea vendors jostle for space alongside hawkers selling women's ornaments at bargain prices.

But this is no carnival, this is not a fairground--it's Suhrawardy Udyan!

Once celebrated as the "lungs of Dhaka", Suhrawardy Udyan, a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts, is now under siege by illegal vendors, turning it into a chaotic, polluted shadow of its former self.

Overcrowding, pollution, and illegal food stalls threaten the park's tranquility and environmental integrity. 

Photo: Palash Khan/Star

SURGE IN ILLEGAL VENDORS

Since August 5, the park has seen an influx of over 200 makeshift food stalls, up from around 50 previously. Displaced vendors from the nearby Dhaka University campus have capitalised on weak law enforcement, particularly near the Raju Memorial Sculpture, Shikha Chiranton, and Ramna Kali Mandir. 

The stalls, concentrated around main entrances, have turned the park into a noisy, crowded hub, much to visitors' dismay.

LOSS OF SCENERY

Aisha Siddiqua Mim, a long-time visitor, said, "It used to be a place to relax, but now it feels like a noisy fairground." 

Aqib Hasan added, "This park was once ideal for quiet walks. This is unthinkable now. There are food stalls everywhere, attracting hundreds. This is ruining the natural beauty and raising environmental concerns. 

ENVIRONMENTAL TOLL

The surge in vendors has significantly worsened littering and pollution.

Food wrappers, plastic cups, and leftovers are strewn across the park, with waste often left uncollected. 

"The trash piles up, and the smell of rotting food is unbearable," said  Mehedi Hasan Khan Pavel, a student activist.

"Smoke from grills and stoves has also affected air quality, while habitat loss threatens birds and other wildlife. "

"Birds and animals are losing their habitat due to pollution and reduced green spaces," he added.

Student groups have written to the Public Works Department, demanding the removal of illegal vendors and the park's restoration.

However, vendors argue they are merely trying to survive.

Shamim Patwary, a stall owner for over 20 years, said, "Many of us were forced to move here after being evicted from Dhaka University. If we're removed again, how will we support our families?" 

PWD'S INACTION

The PWD, tasked with managing the park, has yet to take decisive action.

Executive Engineer Abul Kalam Azad did not respond to queries, but an official admitted, "We've warned the vendors, but they've resisted. Stronger measures are under consideration to restore the park's environment."