GMCH authority destroying forests of Narakasur hills: Early Birds

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Sept 25: Accusing the Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) authority of being involved in wanton destruction of forests of the Narakasur hills, Early Bird, an NGO has approached the Kamrup Metropolitan district administration to conduct a high level inquiry into the recent incident of tree felling.

The NGO in a memorandum submitted to the deputy commissioner of Kamrup (Metro) Virendra Mittal said the GMCH authority recently cleared a good patch of land full of sal and teak plantation very nearer to the Boys’ Hostel 3 and along the divider of the double track road of the main road towards Kahilipara. The plot has been cleared for the purpose of building a guest house for attendants of admitted patients at GMCH. According to the NGO the particular plot of land is part of Narakasur hills and a good number of civet cat, hare, monkey, squirrel, leopard cat, mongoose, many species of birds and even leopard are also found from time to time.

The NGO while demanding a high-level inquiry into the recent felling of trees by the GMCH authority without obtaining necessary permission from the authorities concerned, also requested the Kamrup (Metro) DC to urgently look into the matter of illegal settlement on Narakasur hills. Protests against felling of trees by doctors of GMCH on Monday intensified with lady doctors separately submitted a memorandum to the Principal demanding an immediate halt to such destruction of greenery.

A section of doctors are not happy with the principal stand to prevent destruction of greenery at the GMCH premises. Loss of greenery at GMCH will have adverse impact on ecology of the campus and patients health, the doctors said. “If felling of trees continues we will be forced to stage demonstration. We hope that the principal will take immediate actions to prevent cutting of trees,” a doctor on condition of anonymity said.