Roadside trees withering near Biswanath Medical College site, locals blame construction waste

Biswanath: An environmental crisis is unfolding in Biswanath as roadside trees along the Kadamoni–Biswanath Ghat stretch rapidly wither. Locals directly blame construction waste linked to the upcoming Biswanath Medical College for the decline.

Residents say the once-scenic road, known for its lush green canopy, hosts more than a hundred mature trees. They report that at least 13 of them have already dried up and several others now show severe damage.

According to locals, the trees started dying after workers laid a long pipeline to dispose of medical and construction waste from the college site. They allege that workers dumped large quantities of waste around the trees’ roots and later used a JCB machine to remove it, disturbing the soil and root systems and causing irreversible harm. “Around thirteen fully grown trees have already withered. Careless dumping and excavation have killed them,” a resident said.

Another resident accused multiple agencies of misusing the area. He claimed that construction workers repeatedly dumped waste, and later DCP personnel dug out sand and sold it, causing continuous disturbance that damaged the trees.

Environmentalists and civil society members have condemned the situation and questioned how such activities continued despite government campaigns like the Amrita Tree Movement. Activists are demanding clarification on who authorised the dumping and excavation without proper environmental planning.

Nihar Saikia, a member of Asom Sena, Biswanath district, called the situation alarming. “This beautiful road is losing mature trees. The roots have been dug up, and something harmful was clearly dumped here. We want a thorough investigation by the authorities and the forest department. If no action is taken, we will be forced to act,” he warned.

Tea Tribe leader Gautam Gowala echoed the concerns. He said waste from the drainage system near the construction site may have poisoned the roots and urged authorities to intervene immediately to prevent further damage.

Representatives of the organisation constructing the medical college acknowledged the issue and assured compensation. They said they will plant 300 saplings in the area as a remedial measure.

However, environmental groups argue that replacing decades-old trees with saplings cannot compensate for the loss. They insist on accountability and stricter monitoring of construction practices to prevent further ecological damage.