A significant gathering of concerned citizens assembled at Digholipukhuri in Guwahati on Tuesday, October 29 to voice their opposition to the state government’s plan to cut down trees as part of the construction of a new flyover.
The proposed flyover, intended to connect Noonmati with Digholipukhuri, has sparked strong reactions from locals who are worried about its environmental consequences.
The primary concern among protesters is the impending loss of greenery in the area, with many fearing that the removal of trees will negatively impact the local ecosystem.
Digholipukhuri, known for its historic pond and rich green cover, holds both ecological and cultural importance for the city. Locals argue that the area’s trees offer essential shade, especially during hot summers, and provide a habitat for various bird species, including rare migratory birds, thus enhancing the city’s biodiversity.
Speaking to TDG, a senior resident of the area, Pranab Talukdar talked about the historical signifance of the lake. “During the Ahom rule, there was connection between Digholipukhri and Brahmaputra. Today we are losing greenery in Assam. If you visit London, they have maintain Hyde parks and other parks. As such, we request the government to stop the process of uprooting the trees.”
Adding to the contention, activists revealed that some of the trees slated for removal are over 200 years old, with deep-rooted significance to the city’s heritage and environment. These ancient trees are not only part of Guwahati’s natural legacy but are also vital to the urban landscape, providing shade, fresh air, and a sanctuary for birds.
Protesters are calling on the government to consider alternatives that would allow for development without sacrificing the environment. They argue that the authorities should explore construction methods that avoid tree felling, particularly for trees with historical value. A senior resident further requested the Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma to reconsider the decision. “This is a historic lake which is also a home to a lot of birds in the city. We will go to all extent to stop this,” added the elderly.
A Right to Information (RTI) on the matter has revealed that 21 trees are set to be impacted by the flyover project which has raised the concerns of the greenery of the city. “We are not coming here to do politics in the name of trees. Our concern is the flora and fauna of the area. We see lots of birds when we come here for the morning walks and we request the government to look into the matter,” said a lady attending the protest.
As per soources, residents are also in the process of filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to legally halt the ongoing tree-cutting activities. They claim that the flyover project was initiated without adequate environmental impact assessments or community consultations, raising questions about the transparency and foresight of the government’s planning process.
Meanwhile, students have also joined the protest by singing songs to raise the environmental concerns.
The protests at Dighalipukhuri underscore the growing environmental awareness and activism among Guwahati’s citizens, who stand united in their demand for sustainable and thoughtful urban development.
