Citizens continue peaceful protest against tree felling and relocating in Guwahati

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: In a powerful display of public dissent, hundreds of citizens, including prominent personalities, staged a unique and peaceful protest in the Ambari-Dighalipukhuri area of Guwahati on Saturday against the government’s decision to cut down and relocate trees under an ongoing urban development project.

The demonstrators, forming a human chain, began their protest by singing the iconic environmental anthem “We Are in the Same Boat Brothers” by cultural legend Dr Bhupen Hazarika, in a symbolic call for unity in the fight to protect Guwahati’s dwindling green cover.

The protesters condemned the move as “irresponsible and destructive”, especially at a time when Assam is reeling under an intensifying heat wave. The state has already recorded 10 heatwave-related deaths this year, fuelling fears that unchecked deforestation could make the situation worse.

Holding placards warning of impending ecological disaster, demonstrators from all walks of life — including a large number of elderly citizens — raised slogans against the environmental degradation caused by rapid urbanisation. Many accused the government of turning a blind eye to the climate crisis for the sake of corporate-driven development.

“This is not just about trees — it’s about our very survival,” said one protester. “The birds, animals, and human beings who depend on these green spaces will suffer. Guwahati is turning into a concrete jungle, and removing the last few trees will make it unliveable.”

Despite the heavy deployment of security personnel and paramilitary forces, the protest remained peaceful and creative in nature, drawing widespread public and media attention.

Prominent voices such as veteran journalist Ajit Bhuyan joined the protest, criticising the state’s leadership. “The government is behaving in a fascist manner — indifferent to both the people and the law,” he said. “Even the Supreme Court has said that cutting a tree is worse than taking a life, yet this administration continues its destructive policies.”

Another protester called on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to personally visit the site and justify the decision to fell trees. “Public spaces are being handed over to corporate interests for profit. The people deserve answers,” she said.

Despite multiple protests in recent weeks, participants claimed the government has remained unresponsive. The protest concluded with a solemn pledge from demonstrators to continue their movement until the government reverses its decision and takes meaningful steps to preserve Guwahati’s remaining green spaces.

As one placard poignantly read: “When the last tree falls, the last breath won’t be far behind.”

Also Read: Guwahati: It’s not translocation, it’s systematic destruction, says protester on tree felling

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