Outrage Over Tree Cutting for GNB Flyover
Guwahati, June 8: The ongoing construction of the GNB flyover bypass road has ignited significant public anger due to the removal of numerous mature trees in the historic Dighalipukhuri and Ambari regions, allegedly executed under the cover of night.
What started as a simple infrastructure initiative has escalated into a major controversy, with the government facing accusations of deceit, neglect of civic rights, and breaches of environmental regulations.
This backlash follows previous commitments made by the state to the Guwahati High Court, assuring that no trees in the vicinity of Dighalipukhuri would be harmed during the project. The administration's choice to proceed with extensive tree removal has attracted severe criticism from both residents and environmental advocates.
Dr. Dinesh Chandra Goswami, a respected scientist and environmentalist, expressed his dismay, stating, “This is nothing short of betrayal. They excavated around ten meters of soil, causing the trees to collapse. This indicates a lack of intention to relocate them, only to destroy them. The government had promised to relocate the trees, but given their current state, relocation is no longer feasible. The flyover can wait; the trees were here first. Instead of acting in good faith, they have disregarded expert advice and public trust. Immediate replantation with proper soil, nutrients, and care is the least that should be done,” he remarked.
Legal experts have also voiced concerns regarding the government's actions, highlighting discrepancies between official court statements and subsequent events.
Advocate Santanu Borthakur noted, “The government assured the court that no trees in the Dighalipukhuri area would be harmed, as clearly stated in Para 7 of their response to a PIL. Yet, they proceeded to cut down the trees under the cover of darkness, akin to thieves.” He labeled this as a "direct insult" to the court, the Constitution, and the rule of law, adding that when citizens protested, the government swiftly imposed a ban on rallies and public gatherings in Guwahati the following day. “This is a blatant attempt to suppress public dissent and curtail democratic rights. We have submitted an Intervention Application (IA) and are awaiting the court’s response,” he stated.
Dr. Manorama Sharma, a prominent academic and environmental advocate, further criticized the state's purported translocation plan. “The Chief Minister spoke passionately about tree translocation, yet no such plan is available on any government website. I searched every department's site, and nothing exists,” she asserted.
She elaborated on the complexities of tree translocation, stating, "Each tree has specific needs - the depth of planting, soil type, and required nutrients all necessitate thorough research. CSIR has established clear guidelines for such activities. Ignoring these is not merely negligence; it constitutes an environmental crime.”
The Dighalipukhuri and Ambari areas hold historical and environmental significance, featuring centuries-old trees that are vital to Guwahati’s urban ecosystem. Experts warn that their removal not only threatens biodiversity but also diminishes natural defenses against pollution, heat, and urban flooding.
As legal proceedings progress and citizens continue to seek accountability, the GNB flyover bypass road project is rapidly becoming a focal point for broader issues related to urban planning, public accountability, and environmental ethics in Assam.
