Guwahati: Protest over Translocation of Trees at Dighalipukhuri

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: A protest broke out near Rabindra Bhawan at Dighalipukhuri on Thursday as environmentally conscious citizens marked World Environment Day by voicing strong opposition to the felling and translocation of trees linked to the ongoing GNB Road flyover construction project.

Organized under the banner “Save Dighalipukhuri 2.0”, the protest saw participation from residents, activists, and students holding placards and raising slogans demanding the preservation of Guwahati’s fast-disappearing green spaces. The agitation was sparked by a recent late-night tree-trimming operation, which locals allege was carried out without prior public notice—contradicting earlier assurances by the Assam government.

The protesters accused authorities of reneging on promises made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who had previously assured the public that no trees would be cut and that the flyover design would be altered to safeguard the Dighalipukhuri area. “This is not just about trees—this is about trust,” said one of the demonstrators. “We were assured transparency and ecological responsibility. Instead, we woke up to chainsaws in the night.”

Clarifications from the government that the trees were being translocated rather than felled have failed to ease public concern. Activists and residents argue that without transparency in the process and visible outcomes, the term “translocation” feels like a euphemism for environmental degradation.

 Also Read: Guwahati: Trees being translocated, not felled, clarify Officials

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