Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma assures preservation of Dighalipukhuri trees amidst protests
Guwahati: After massive protests regarding the decision to cut down several trees at Dighalipukhuri in Guwahati, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday morning said that an alternative way is being sought to protect the city's heritage.
In a social media post on X, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "I want to assure you that the government is deeply committed to preserving our city’s heritage and environment while advancing infrastructure. In constructing the flyovers from Dighalupukhuri to Noonmati, we are sincerely working to protect the old trees in the area. I urge all stakeholders to allow the Public Works Department a few days to explore an alternative proposal and assess its feasibility."
While the statement is seen as a partial relief to the people protesting and fighting to save the trees in Guwahati, the statement exactly did not state how long it may take for a proper solution.
Hundreds of concerned citizens took to the streets of Guwahati on Tuesday to voice their strong opposition to the Assam government’s decision to fell numerous trees at the historic Dighalipukhuri for the construction of a flyover connecting Noonmati to the Reserve Bank of India.
The protesters, cutting across party lines, gathered at Dighalipukhuri and staged a massive rally around the historic tank.
They raised slogans against the government and demanded the preservation of the ancient trees, many of which are over two centuries old.
These trees, they argued, are vital to the city’s ecosystem and heritage, providing a sanctuary for birds and offering much-needed shade and fresh air.
“How can the Assam government even think of destroying this heritage site? We urge the Gauhati High Court to take suo moto cognizance of this issue,” said advocate Angshuman Bora.
Renowned figures such as political thinker Apurban Baruah, educationist Indrani Dutta, historian Monorama Sarma, politician Ajoy Dutta, writer Ratna Bharali Talukdar, Congress leader Meera Borthakur, and actor Aghradeep Baruah joined the protest, lending their support to the cause.