A narrow paved road cuts through the green fields. Palm trees stand in rows on both sides. From a distance, it seems as if nature has created a charming green corridor. This palm tree-lined road in Runihali village of Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat is now an attractive place for nature lovers, travelers, and photographers.
When I went there on Wednesday afternoon, I saw that the road passed through a vast paddy field. Palm trees stood in rows like sentinels on both sides. Pedestrians riding bicycles or walking are stopping occasionally to enjoy this immense beauty of nature. Some are taking pictures on their mobile phones, while others are recording videos and spreading the story of Runihali’s beauty on social media. Looking at the palm trees, I am reminded of the famous line of the poet Rabindranath Tagore – ‘The palm tree stands on one leg, surpassing all the trees and peeping into the sky.’ The trees, standing with their heads held high, seem to want to touch the sky.
According to local elders, these palm trees were planted many years ago to protect the environment and enhance the beauty of the road. Over time, the trees have taken on a huge shape. Today, this row of trees is not only the identity of Runihali village, but has become a natural tourist attraction for the entire area.
Local resident Zakaria Hossain said, “Before Eid, the youth of the village painted the base of the palm trees and cleaned the surroundings. Now people from different areas are coming here every day. Everyone is fascinated by the beauty of our village, it is a joy for us.”
Jahangir Alam, a resident of Joypurhat city, who came to see the road, said that the touch of nature is decreasing day by day due to the concrete crowd of the city. At such a time, this palm-lined road in Runihali reminds us that the true beauty of Bengal is still hidden among the fields, roads and trees of rural Bengal. Coming here, the mind becomes calm.
Ratan Mondal, a member of the Joypurhat District Committee of the Indigenous Tree and Biodiversity Conservation Movement, said that palm trees not only enhance aesthetic beauty, but also play an important role in maintaining environmental balance, preventing soil erosion and as a habitat for various animals. Rows of such trees along rural roads are not only visually appealing, but also environmentally friendly.
When the last light of the afternoon melts through the gaps in the palm leaves and falls on the road, a charming atmosphere is created along the entire road. People of all ages flock here every day to see the natural beauty. For many, it is now an ideal place to take pictures, and for some, it is a little green refuge to relieve the fatigue of busy life. With the wonderful combination of palm trees and green fields, this road in Runihali is like a living picture painted by nature.
