Assam government to reconsider plans for cutting century-old trees for Guwahati flyover amid public outcry

In Guwahati, the Assam government’s plan to cut approximately 25 century-old trees along the Dighalipukhuri tank for a new flyover has sparked significant public protests and calls for environmental preservation. Responding to the mounting outcry, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on October 30 that the government would review its plans and explore alternative construction solutions to avoid felling the historic trees.

A four-lane, 5.05-kilometre-long flyover is proposed for the city and would be the longest flyover in the city that connects Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati at an estimated cost of Rs 852.68 crore, to be completed by 2026. But residents and environmental activists are concerned about the environment and the removal of the trees, many of which are nearly 200 years old and home to a few species of birds.

Prominent local figures, students and environmentalists have been vocal about the planned tree removal, with many gathering for vigils around Dighalipukhuri to raise awareness. Sangita Das, the state secretary of the Student’s Federation of India (SFI), emphasized the community’s resolve by announcing the formation of the “Save Dighalipukhuri” group to lead ongoing night vigils and advocacy efforts until the Gauhati High Court hears the public interest litigation (PIL) filed to prevent the tree felling.

During his statement, CM Sarma expressed the government’s intention to balance infrastructure development with the preservation of Guwahati’s environmental and historical heritage. He urged patience while the Public Works Department assesses alternative plans for the project. “The government is committed to both heritage preservation and infrastructure advancement”, he shared in a post on social media platform X.

The decision has sparked discussions on social media, with notable voices like Bollywood playback singer Papon and renowned neurosurgeon Navanil Barua publicly opposing the move. In addition to protests, a petition has been submitted to the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, calling for judicial intervention. Protestors argue that no environmental impact assessment or public hearing was conducted before making the decision, a move that raises concerns about compliance with environmental safeguards. The government has not yet responded to these procedural criticisms.

According to local legend, Dighalipukhuri tank was constructed by King Bhagadatta during the Mahabharata era and later served as a naval dockyard for the Ahoms, especially during the 1671 Battle of Saraighat. Today, it is surrounded by important cultural and educational landmarks, underscoring its significance to the city’s heritage.

For many residents, the tree felling raises broader questions about the cost of urban development. As the government considers its options, advocates are calling for a solution that aligns with both the city’s modernization goals and its environmental and historical values.