Urban expansion threatens green corridor in Assam's Tinsukia

Rapid urban expansion is transforming a once verdant stretch between Dangari and Chapakhowa in Tinsukia district, raising concerns over the loss of agricultural land and ecological balance.
 

The corridor, known for its cultivation fields, grasslands and dense tree cover supporting rich flora and fauna, is increasingly giving way to residential colonies and commercial establishments.
 

Local residents and environmental observers have flagged the pace of change. “This green belt, which has supported paddy fields, grazing lands and wildlife for generations, is now dotted with multi-storey buildings and shops. We fear losing not just farmland but the very essence of our rural ecology,” said Parmananda Baruah, a farmer from near Dangari.
 

Officials acknowledged a steady conversion of agricultural land for non-farm use across the State, with Tinsukia reflecting a broader trend driven by rising demand for housing and commercial space.
 

Environmental activist Abhinav Deka from Chapakhowa said the changes are already affecting biodiversity. “Rare birds and small animals that once thrived here are disappearing. Flood-prone lowlands, which acted as natural sponges, are being filled, increasing the risk of waterlogging during the monsoon,” he said.
 

However, some stakeholders argue that development is necessary. A local real estate agent, requesting anonymity, said the expansion brings employment and improved infrastructure. “People need modern housing and markets. Development cannot be stopped,” he said.
 

Experts have cautioned that unchecked land-use change could pose long-term risks to food security and biodiversity in this agrarian region. They have called for stricter enforcement of land-use regulations to ensure a balance between development and environmental conservation.
 

The ongoing transformation has also raised questions about sustainable urban planning in ecologically sensitive areas of Upper Assam.