Staff reporter
Guwahati: In a commendable stride towards sustainable urban development, the Public Works Department (PWD) has begun translocating trees situated on the premises of the Assam Textile Institute at Ambari, Guwahati. The initiative comes as part of preparatory work for the construction of a much-anticipated flyover in the congested Ambari area—aimed at easing the city’s traffic woes.
Rather than resorting to the conventional method of felling trees to clear the path for infrastructure, the PWD has adopted an environmentally conscious approach by choosing to relocate the trees within the same campus. A total of 28 trees have been identified for translocation.
PWD officials confirmed that the initiative is being carried out with meticulous planning and care. “Because of the flyover work, we are trying not to cut down the trees. Instead, we have decided to relocate them on the textile institute’s premises itself,” said a senior official associated with the project.
Of the 28 trees, 14 relatively smaller ones have already been successfully moved to other locations within the institute’s campus, including areas behind the main academic building and around the student hostel complex. These translocations were carried out over the past few weeks.
The remaining 14 trees, however, pose a greater logistical challenge due to their size and maturity. With girth sizes ranging between 500mm and 1500mm, these trees are currently undergoing a process of root ball treatment—a preparatory step essential to ensure their safe and healthy relocation. The treatment process involves careful trimming and wrapping of roots to help the trees survive the move and thrive in their new environment.
“All the trees will be kept within the institute’s premises. The goal is to ensure minimal ecological disruption while making way for essential infrastructure,” the official added.
The entire operation is expected to be completed within two months. Authorities emphasized that the effort underlines PWD’s commitment to integrating sustainable and environmentally responsible practices into urban infrastructure development.
The flyover, once completed, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the Ambari area, which serves as a key junction connecting various parts of Guwahati. The initiative has garnered appreciation from environmental groups and local residents alike, who have often voiced concerns over the loss of green cover amid rapid urbanization.
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