Assam: Neglected giant trees pose grave risk to lives in Digboi

Our Correspondent

DIGBOI: While inclement weather continues to wreak havoc in and around Digboi in Tinsukia district, alarm has gripped residents near the AOD Central Digboi area — including the Telkhad Gurudwara premises — due to several massive, unmaintained trees forming a canopy above homes and religious structures. Pedestrians and devotees visiting the historic Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara have been living in fear, concerned about potential loss of lives and damage to homes and nearby buildings.

Established in 1927 during the British era, the Gurudwara, situated atop a hill near the AOD Hospital, is a prominent spiritual and cultural landmark.

When questioned about the issue, Jaswant Singh Sandhu, president of the Gurudwara Management Committee, said that despite repeated appeals over the past eight months to the AOD Management Committee for pruning the hazardous tree branches, their pleas have gone unheard.

“A huge branch fell on Monday morning, landing dangerously close to the steps of the sacred Gurudwara. Nearby residences narrowly escaped damage,” said Sandhu.

He further alleged that, despite obtaining forest department clearance (reference number DG/28/2004/227), the IOC AOD Civil Department has continued to ignore the gravity of the situation, putting human lives and property at serious risk.

In 2012, a tragic incident occurred in the same area when a tree branch fatally struck an AOD employee attached to the Production Department while he was about to leave for his duty on a two-wheeler after lunch.

In an appeal letter (No. GT/2024-25/IOCL-ADMIN 01) submitted to AOD authorities on August 9, 2024, the Gurudwara president reiterated earlier concerns. He cited an incident on July 19, 2024, when a tree was uprooted in the premises — fortunately without causing casualties.

“A number of trees located on AOD-registered plot no. 344 extend over residential areas, including the Gurudwara building, offices, and quarters, posing a continuous threat to those living there,” the letter reads.

“Pruning of these trees must be prioritized, especially since the required forest department permissions have already been secured,” it adds.

However, the perceived indifference of the AOD Civil (Township) Department, led by Senior Manager UK Ghosh, has triggered serious concerns among locals about the corporation’s sense of responsibility and community service.

The community alleged that the AOD administration’s inaction, despite repeated warnings, reflects poorly on its commitment to public welfare and safety.

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