Aziz Al Zaman, Rangpur: Emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable urban development, Rangpur City Corporation (RCC) on Saturday launched a month-long tree plantation programme aimed at transforming the city into a greener and healthier urban centre.The inauguration ceremony was held at the historic Uttam Bottola Market in Ward No. 2 under the initiative of Rangpur City Corporation. RCC Administrator Mahfuz Un Nabi Don formally inaugurated the programme as the chief guest.Marking the commencement of the campaign, the administrator planted saplings of fruit-bearing and medicinal trees in the market area.Speaking on the occasion, Mahfuz Un Nabi Don said that tree plantation is indispensable for addressing the adverse impacts of climate change and ensuring a healthy and livable city for future generations.“There is no alternative to planting trees if we want to preserve environmental balance and leave behind a beautiful and healthy city for the next generation,” he said. “Rangpur City Corporation is committed to extending this greening initiative to every ward of the city.”He also urged residents to plant trees in all available spaces, including vacant lands and household premises, to strengthen the city’s green coverage.Among others present at the event were RCC Executive Engineer (Zone-2) Abdus Selim Jewel, Rangpur Metropolitan BNP member Mohsin Ali, Mozahar Hossain Batul, Senior Joint Convener of Rangpur Metropolitan Jubo Dal Jahir Alam Nayan, Member Secretary Atikul Islam Lelin, Convener of Rangpur Metropolitan Swechchhasebak Dal Imran Hossain, Member Secretary Nur Hasan Sumon, Ward No. 2 BNP President Mukul and General Secretary Hiru, Ward No. 1 BNP President Dudu and General Secretary Hasmat, along with local dignitaries, members of civil society and business representatives. According to city corporation sources, around 50,000 fruit-bearing, timber and medicinal tree saplings will be planted during the month-long campaign at various roadsides, educational institutions, places of worship and open spaces across the city.