Students and environmental advocates at Jagannath University have raised concerns after concrete was poured up to the bases of several old trees during modernization and beautification work at the university’s TSC area. The report, published on July 25, 2026, said the construction has prompted fears over the trees’ normal growth and long-term survival.

On-site observations found that concrete had been laid around several trees with almost no exposed soil remaining near their roots. This could obstruct rainwater from entering the soil, limit air circulation, and disrupt the supply of oxygen and nutrients to roots. Students said the campus has only a small number of large trees, which provide shade, comfort and a natural environment, and argued that development should protect them.

Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman of the Geography and Environment Department said trees may be unable to absorb water and mineral salts if soil is absent around their bases, hindering growth and potentially causing death over time. Proctor Professor Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin said workers had poured the concrete by mistake and that it would be corrected the following day.