Staff reporter
Guwahati: The Guwahati Smart City Limited (GSCL) has launched an ambitious riverfront beautification project, aiming to enhance the city’s green cover by planting over 13,000 saplings, including species such as Rhapis excelsa, Sphagneticola trilobata, Lantana camara, Bougainvillea glabra, and Citrus aurantifolia. However, the initiative has drawn mixed reactions, as the felling of decades-old trees has sparked concerns among residents and environmentalists.
A resident of Uzan Bazar area said, “While we acknowledge the government’s efforts, we cannot condone the decision to cut down trees that have stood for over 50 years.” The resident also emphasized that while development is necessary, the removal of old trees not only affects the area’s aesthetics but also disrupts the ecosystem that has flourished over decades. Many long-time inhabitants of the locality feel a deep emotional and environmental connection with these trees, which have provided shade, purified the air, and served as a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Environmental activists have also voiced their opposition, emphasizing the crucial role of mature trees in maintaining ecological balance, reducing pollution, and supporting local wildlife. They argued that development should not come at the cost of irreplaceable natural heritage.
A government official overseeing the project defended the move, emphasizing its long-term benefits. “We are planting these trees for the betterment of our future. Good things take time, and this initiative will take time too. But if we properly implement and take care of the saplings, we will definitely succeed in creating a greener future,” the official told The Sentinel.
Authorities have assured that all necessary environmental guidelines are being followed and efforts are being made to minimize the impact on existing greenery. However, as the initiative progresses, residents and environmental groups continue to demand greater transparency and community participation in shaping Guwahati’s green future.
Also Read: Guwahati Riverfront Beautification to be Completed by April: Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah
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