Citizens Raise Alarm Over Rapid Urbanization at Guwahati Press Meet

Staff reporter

Guwahati: In response to increasing concerns about unregulated urban expansion, a group of citizens and environmental activists gathered on Monday to voice their strong opposition to what they described as “unsustainable and hazardous” development practices across the city. At a press meet chaired by social commentator Milin Dutta, speakers criticized ongoing construction projects for damaging the natural environment, bypassing public consultation, and neglecting basic safety standards.

Among those present were activists and residents including Basabi Dutta, Urmi Boragohain, Fathima Gulabadin, Khanin Baruah, and Farida Sultan. The group highlighted the need for a transparent and inclusive approach to urban development, especially in a city like Guwahati which is both ecologically sensitive and culturally significant.

One of the most pressing issues raised at the event was the construction near Dighalipukhuri, a historically and ecologically vital site in the heart of the city. Fathima Gulabadin expressed concern at the felling and relocation of trees in the area without any public notice or environmental clearance.

“The recent construction has led to a loss of greenery, and now the government plans to build concrete walls around the area. This is completely unjustified and poses a threat to the site’s natural and cultural essence,” Fathima Gulabadin said.

Urmi Boragohain added to this by drawing attention to the lack of public engagement and transparency in the city’s developmental planning. She pointed out that construction activities were proceeding without coordination with residents, resulting in rising pollution levels and health risks, especially for children. She stated, “The process is flawed. People are being left out of important decisions that directly impact their environment and well-being”.

Concerns about safety at construction sites were also raised. Basabi Dutta cited a recent incident at the Noonmati-Chandmari flyover site where a worker was electrocuted due to alleged negligence. “There are no safety protocols in place. How many accidents will it take before authorities act?” she questioned.

Another speaker at the meet called upon both citizens and the media to act as watchdogs in the development process. She emphasized the role of media outlets, print, television, and digital, in amplifying public concerns and holding authorities accountable. “Media must not just report incidents after they occur but should play an active role in preventing environmental and civic mismanagement,” she said.

At the end of the session, the delegation submitted a list of key recommendations to the concerned authorities, aiming to encourage responsible and participatory urban development. These included the immediate safety auditing of the Noonmati-Dighalipukhuri flyover and other construction sites by the PWD and Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL). They also demanded public consultations before any decision is made to cut or relocate mature trees, along with community involvement in the adoption of new construction technologies such as the SABRE (Stabilized Aerobic/Anaerobic Bioengineered Reaction Environment) system being considered for Dighalipukhuri. The delegation also urged the inclusion of the Assam Tourism Development Corporation in urban planning discussions to ensure that Guwahati’s cultural and ecological heritage is not overlooked.

Also Read: Sewage Dumping by GMC Trucks Sparks Uproar in Guwahati’s Six Mile

Also watch: