Massive Protests have erupted in Guwahati over plans to cut down century-old trees to make way for a new flyover.
The controversy centers around the Public Works Department’s proposal to uproot around 25 trees, some as old as 200 years, along the Dighalipukhuri pond for the construction of a 5.05 km-long, four-lane flyover.
The project, which is slated to cost Rs 852.68 crore, has sparked strong opposition from environmentalists, artists, students, and local residents.
Protesters took to the streets, voicing concerns about the environmental and cultural impact of the tree removal.
The Dighalipukhuri pond is a historic site with deep cultural significance, and many locals view the trees as integral to the area’s heritage.
The opposition has also criticized the government’s decision not to conduct an environmental impact assessment or a public hearing before finalizing the plans.
In response to the uproar, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended the flyover project, claiming that the controversy was based on misinformation.
Sarma argued that the government had no intention of indiscriminately cutting down the trees and that some would be transplanted instead of removed.
A team from Haryana has been brought in to explore the possibility of relocating the trees along the Brahmaputra riverbank.
Despite the Chief Minister’s assurances, the protests continue, with many calling for a more balanced approach that considers both development and environmental preservation.