Guwahati residents protest against tree felling at Dighalipukhuri, to file PIL

Residents of Guwahati have come together to protest against the large-scale felling of trees at Dighalipukhuri to make way for a flyover connection Noonmati area. 

The locals are expressing their concerns over the loss of greenery in the area, which they believe will have a detrimental impact on the environment and the local ecosystem.

The protestors are planning to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to halt the tree-cutting activities. They argue that the authorities should consider alternative solutions that do not involve the destruction of trees.

It is to be mentioned here that a large number of people gathered in Guwahati’s Dighalipukhuri locality today to protest the government’s initiative to cut down several trees to make way for the construction of a flyover.

The protests at Dighalipukhuri in Guwahati reflect growing environmental concerns among local residents who are opposing the government’s plan to cut down around 30 trees for a proposed flyover. 

Dighalipukhuri, known for its historic pond and green cover, holds ecological and cultural significance in the city. 

The trees slated for removal provide critical shade, especially in summer, and are habitats for rare migratory birds, enhancing biodiversity in the urban landscape.

Also Read: Guwahati citizens protest against felling of trees for flyover, demand preservation of Dighalipukhuri's heritage

Residents argue that the project threatens Guwahati's natural beauty and will disrupt the local ecosystem, voicing concerns that a flyover might not be the best solution for traffic management in the area. 

Participating in the protest rally, Congress leader Mira Borthakur said, "If the environment only is not there how will we survive? If Himanta Biswa Sarma does not listen to the voices and concerns of the citizens. What is the use of the flyover here when we have an alternative route? People of Dighalipukhuri demanded to keep the serenity of the area intact and the chief minister must listen to this."

Further, the Congress leader also asserted that a suo moto PIL will be filed following the signatures of all locals.

Construction of a nearly six-mile-long flyover from Reserve Bank to Noonmati is already underway. However, the project has sparked widespread discontent among local residents and the people of Guwahati after a recent change in the flyover's design, which now includes the Tayabullah Road, potentially threatening the heritage and beauty of Dighalipukhuri. 

Authorities on October 28 marked around 25 trees along the Tayabullah Road and in front of Handique Girls’ College with yellow crosses for felling, including some trees that are reportedly over 200 years old.

In response to a Right to Information (RTI) query, the Public Works Department’s (PWD) executive engineer acknowledged that no environmental impact study had been conducted regarding the potential effects of the flyover on the surrounding area of Dighalipukhuri, nor was any public hearing held. The marking of trees, which are home to many birds and contribute significantly to the city’s ecology, has raised alarms among nature enthusiasts in Guwahati.

Earlier, students from Cotton University protested the cutting of century-old trees at Dighalipukhuri for a proposed flyover. They urged the government to prioritize environmental preservation over infrastructure development

This incident highlights a common debate in urban development: balancing infrastructure growth with the need to preserve green spaces and environmental health.