Requiring over Rs. 400 crore in investment, the most ambitious infrastructure project in Guwahati – a 5.05-km flyover connecting Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati. Valued at Rs 852.68 crore, the flyover will ease traffic congestion and increase connectivity. However, completion is expected in 2026. There has been significant public resistance to the development because around 25 ancient trees along Dighalipukhuri, a historic pond and cultural landmark, are proposed to be felled-the oldest of these, according to reports, stand over 200 years old.
This matter has given rise to a huge outcry from the local residents, environment activists, and various celebrities. There has also been a raised fear that this would mean the loss of environmental and cultural heritage at Guwahati. After this protest, the Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, took to social media and declared the decision of reconsidering the plan of cutting the trees and opting for alternative methods for preserving these ancient trees.
Public Response and Protests
The tree cutting proposal has been opposed by many groups and individuals. On Tuesday, citizens and eminent personalities in Guwahati have expressed their pain and sat for vigil at Dighalipukhuri while presenting a petition against cutting down the trees. A plea has been submitted before the Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, pleading judicial intervention against environmental degradation. The protests gained further momentum as citizens, including students, environmentalists, and local leaders, joined to safeguard Guwahati’s natural and historical assets.
Social media has also played a crucial role in amplifying the movement. Netizens have voiced disapproval of the government’s decision, emphasizing the trees’ ecological value as habitats for various resident and migratory bird species. Environmental activists have highlighted that the Dighalipukhuri area’s greenery is an irreplaceable part of Guwahati’s heritage, symbolizing its long history and identity.
Prominent Figures Speak Out
Papon is a playback singer from the Bollywood world and hails from Assam. Voicing his extreme concern, he said that this de-forestation proposed would tear the city away from all its historical roots. Comparing with cities across the world, he said that those cities never destroyed their greens and old structures but preserved and used them.
BJP MLA Mrinal Saikia said that “public activism was commendable” though “rural areas will take time to regain lost trees, it is a long process which urban areas can’t be able to achieve once their matured trees are being cut”. He welcomed this protest as public foresight and environmental concern, in spite of realizing the task of developing ecology.
CM Sarma said the government is ready to rethink its approach in response to public outcry and promised to give PWD time to review other options. He assured people that the government is serious about preserving Guwahati’s environmental heritage, too. The PWD, however, said in an RTI reply that it would axe the trees without conducting a public hearing or conducting an EIA.
This has further fueled criticism against the city, as this is seen to undermine environmental welfare. Activists also called for greater transparency and accountability, as decisions to affect Guwahati’s ecosystem should be preceded by thorough assessments and consultations with the public.
Historical Significance of Dighalipukhuri
Dighalipukhuri assumes great cultural and historical value besides its ecological importance. The pond was built, according to popular legend, by King Bhagadatta who fought on the side of the Kauravas in the Mahabharata during the swayamvara of his daughter, Bhanumati. Dighalipukhuri was later used as a naval dockyard by the Ahom rulers in the later centuries, particularly during the 1671 Battle of Saraighat against Mughal forces on the Brahmaputra River. During the colonial era, its link with Brahmaputra was closed and used for civilian purpose which gradually transformed into housing many types of buildings, some even being as grand as Gauhati High Court or Assam State Museum.
The cultural landmarks that include present Cotton University, Handique Girls’ College, Rabindra Bhawan along with other modern institutions surrounded this pond. Today the citizen of the town argue that if the process of tree felling happens all over Dighalipukhuri area in the city then that could hurt not only Guwahati’s environmental background but also its rich and great cultural and historical aspects. For people the present trees around the pond show it has a long story through its leaves. In order to make it short; those trees around this natural body are its distinctive heritage for people. There was massive criticism and outcry all along, calling for sustainable ways of the solution to preserve those trees.
Environmentalists and public voices contend that the government could discuss ways to save the trees but continue development work. The protesters believe that it would be possible in Guwahati too since all developed cities around the world have been able to maintain a good integration between their urban developments and heritage conservation. Environmental voices, alternatives include redesigning for space of the trees, moving the flyover, or green tunnels are some alternatives thrown up.
Therefore, warnings are issued to the effect that if such concerns are not addressed, then future projects set an unhealthy precedence of impacting ecology and culture for the sake of expansive urban development.
The present protests reflect growing awareness and public demand for sustainable development practices in a manner not compromising natural and historical resources.
Next Steps
The Gauhati High Court is likely to consider the public petition filed by the activists, and the “Save Dighalipukhuri” group will continue their night vigils until there is a judicial ruling on the issue. Citizens and environmentalists will watch the government’s intentions of reviewing the plan very closely. If the administration does not provide an appropriate alternative, protests will continue, and public sentiment might well dictate the city’s future urban planning plans.
The outcry over the Dighalipukhuri trees has highlighted an even larger debate in Assam and other fast-growing regions of India. When cities expand to house increasing populations, questions regarding the sustainability of the environment, heritage conservation, and involvement of the public in deciding development issues arise. In this case, people are eagerly looking forward to a settlement that will help maintain both the heritage of Guwahati and the development of the city.
Sources: Assam Government, Central Public Works Department (PWD), statements from public figures, and reports from local activist groups.