BONGAIGAON: Environmental concerns have been raised in North Salmara, Bongaigaon district, due to the ongoing four-lane road extension of National Highway-17.
Locals and nature enthusiasts are extremely disturbed by the extensive tree-cutting that authorities have done along the path from Tulungia in Bongaigaon to Mowatari in Dhubri district, including trees that are 100 years old.
These old trees are ecologically important, according to environmentalists, who claim that each one provides 270 to 300 litres of oxygen each day, which is equivalent to 50 to 60 people's lives. It is believed that the removal of these trees will seriously disrupt the natural equilibrium of the area.
Local conservationists have urged the government to re-evaluate its strategy and advocate for different approaches to road expansion. Rather than removing the old trees that have served as important natural resources for many years, they suggest purchasing nearby acreage to enlarge the highway.
Previously, in late October, protests had begun after centuries-old trees in Dighalipukhuri were marked for removal with yellow crosses painted on them. It was suggested that a segment of a five-kilometer, four-lane flyover, which would be the longest in the city to date, be built along Dighalipukhuri and end beyond it.
However, a change in plans was later revealed by the Assam administration. The revised plan calls for the flypast to end before it reaches the body of water.
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