Amid escalating public protests, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a reassessment of plans to fell approximately 25 century-old trees in Guwahati to facilitate a new flyover project.
The controversial decision, which has prompted criticism from prominent individuals and local residents alike, involves the removal of trees near the historic Dighalipukhuri tank, some of which are reported to be over 200 years old.
On Tuesday, demonstrations erupted at Dighalipukhuri, with college students, local leaders, and concerned citizens gathering to express their opposition to the government’s intentions.
In response, Chief Minister Sarma sought to reassure the public, stating, “I want to assure you that the government is deeply committed to preserving our city's heritage and environment while advancing infrastructure. In constructing the flyovers from Dighalupukhuri to Noonmati, we are sincerely working to protect the old trees in the area. I urge all stakeholders to allow the Public Works Department a few days to explore an alternative proposal and assess its feasibility.”
The proposed four-lane flyover, the longest in the city, is intended to stretch 5.05 km from Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati and has an estimated cost of Rs 852.68 crore, with operations set to commence by 2026.
The backlash intensified on Tuesday, with many participants marching in protest and submitting petitions to the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, seeking suo motu cognisance of the matter, highlighting its significance for environmental welfare.
In the wake of the protests, hundreds of individuals, including students from Cotton University and local artists, held a night vigil to prevent the administration from proceeding with tree removal.
Sangita Das, state secretary of the Students' Federation of India, remarked, “Following the public protest during the day, we formed a group called 'Save Dighalipukhuri'. We will hold this night vigil till the High Court takes a decision on the PIL.”
Social media also became a platform for dissent, with numerous users decrying the government's decision and emphasising the ecological importance of the trees as habitats for various bird species.
Eminent neurosurgeon Navanil Barua expressed his frustration on Facebook, stating, “It's a good sign that there is a lot of anger among people against the government's stubborn decision to cut down trees. However, if this protest does not translate into votes, it will yield no results.”
Bollywood playback singer Papon voiced his concerns as well, stating, “If we prioritise building the 'new' at the expense of the old, then it will become a historically very young place. Beautiful cities worldwide are celebrated for their greenery and historic architecture, yet here we are losing trees that are over 150 years old in the name of 'development.’”
Adding to the discourse, BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia commended the public response, remarking on the disparity between urban and rural tree replanting efforts.
He noted, “When a tree is cut in a rural area, another grows, but the same never happens in urban areas.”
In response to a Right to Information (RTI) inquiry, the Public Works Department disclosed that it had not conducted an environmental impact assessment or public hearing before proceeding with the plan to uproot the historic trees surrounding Dighalipukhuri.
According to local legend, Dighalipukhuri was constructed by King Bhagadatta during the 'swayamvar' of his daughter Bhanumati, and it served as a naval dockyard for the Ahoms during the 1671 Battle of Saraighat on the Brahmaputra.
Over the years, the pond's access to the river has been obstructed, with portions filled in for various developments, including the Circuit House and Gauhati High Court, along with several other significant institutions in the vicinity.
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