GMCH Doctors Turn Green Crusaders, Protest Against Tree Felling

Loss of greenery will have adverse impact on ecology of the campus and patients’ health

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Sept 21: Probably for the first time in Assam, doctors are planning to hit the streets for a different reason. They are protesting against the recent rampant felling of trees at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) campus.

Senior and junior doctors at GMCH, one of the oldest medical colleges in India, are extremely concerned and worried over felling of trees, a development which they feel will not only have an adverse impact on ecology of the campus but also on patients’ health.

The Gauhati Medical College Teachers’ Association (GMCTA) on Friday submitted a memorandum to the principal of GMCH Dr. Atindra Kumar Adhikari demanding a high-level inquiry into the recent cutting of several trees in front of the GMC Boys Hostel II atop Narakasur Hills.

Dr Rup Sekhar Deka, general secretary of GMCTA said at a time when the entire world is campaigning for saving and planting more trees the latest development at the GMCH campus has saddened each and every doctor. He said many old and valuable trees were felled

“We do not know who is behind the felling of trees. But it is highly condemnable and thus we have demanded the principal to conduct an inquiry. We also demand that the authority which cut trees must immediately take steps to plant fresh saplings at the spot so that the greenery of the GMCH remains intact for future,” Dr Deka said.

On other hand, a section of doctors are not happy with the principal’s 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.