CHITWAN: With the arrival of summer, the sky of Chitwan catches a distinct rhythm. On one side is the scorching heat of the Terai, and on the other is the coolness of the frequent downpours. Amid this game of hide-and-seek by the weather, the charm of the crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica or Lagerstroemia speciosa), known locally in Nepal as ‘Asare Phool,’ blossoms along the roadsides of Bharatpur with unique charm.

Lining up along the road dividers and edges, the Asare Phool flowers provide moving vehicles and rushed travelers a moment to feel the closeness of nature. Why is Asare Phool special? When the intense heat of mid-May-July causes many flowers to wither, the crepe myrtle blooms even more abundantly in that very heat.

Considering its stubborn nature and compatibility with the local climate, the Bharatpur Metropolitan City has planted these Asare Phool flowers.

However, the dominance of this flower is not visible across all areas of the metropolis’s roads. Yet, wherever it has been planted, the crepe myrtle has not forgotten to bloom.

Planted with a long-term vision of creating an “evergreen green” city, these flowers have not only mitigated the city’s dust and clamor to some extent but have also brought coolness to the eyes of passersby.

The blend of deep purple, pink, and milky white colors looks fascinating in some places.

Amid the tall cement buildings and asphalt roads, even this small presence of nature feels like it awakens a new enthusiasm in people’s hearts.

According to Sharada Sharma, Chief of the City and Greenery Promotion Branch of the Metropolitan City, these Asare Phool and other flowers planted along the roadsides have completely transformed the city’s identity.

To sustain this, the metropolis has been conducting regular monitoring, manuring, and irrigation work.

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