Rose farmers in Savar are facing difficult times. The expansion of housing projects is steadily reducing the area of ‘Golap Gram’ (village of roses), while water scarcity and other challenges are causing production to decline. Although the Upazila Agriculture Office claims it is working to increase rose yields, officials are urging government intervention to halt the housing encroachment.
A visit to Birulia’s ‘Golap Gram’ revealed drought-stricken gardens, with rose plantations gradually disappearing. In some cases, the soil of the area has been dug up, often due to housing projects. Land-grabbing activities are reportedly underway in several areas, with signs posted on seized land. In other places, excavated soil has left barren patches.
Even where roses are still cultivated, farmers are not seeing satisfactory yields. A lack of water has left flowers wilting and the topsoil dry and cracked.
Local residents Majnu, Rahim, and Yasin alleged that farmers are being pressured to sell their land. Agents from housing companies are reportedly using local networks to coerce farmers, employing harassment and manipulative tactics to acquire land. In some instances, access roads to gardens have been blocked, and even irrigation deep tube wells removed, preventing cultivation.
Farmers, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed fear of falling victim to conspiracies if they publicly criticised housing developers.
‘Golap Gram’ remain a significant source of income for the region, generating nearly Tk 100 crore. However, both production and visitor numbers are declining due to ongoing challenges. Once, Birulia alone had rose cultivation covering over 200 hectares; now, it has shrunk to just 110 hectares.
College student Saban Mahmud, visiting from Dhaka, said, “Once, these lands were filled with the fragrance and colors of blooming roses. Now fertile lands lie fallow under the pressure of housing projects.”
The couple Meherun and Ruma expressed their frustration: “This was a place near Dhaka where people could breathe relatively clean air. Now it is gone. Land-grabbers are destroying gardens by excavating the soil. They must be brought under the law, or Rose Village cannot be saved.”
Speaking about the situation, Savar Upazila Agriculture Officer Al Mamun expressed concern over Rose Village. He said, “We are working to improve production, but only the government can stop the housing projects. If no action is taken soon, Rose Village will face severe damage.”