GUWAHATI: After massive protests by locals and several organisations to save the proposed felling of 6,000 trees in the Doboka Reserve Forest of Hojai district, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has shelved the earlier project of expanding the existing highway, NH 36.
The Assam Government had proposed to expand the National Highway 36 to four lanes, which would have resulted in the cutting of over 6,000 trees. Massive protests were staged as 12 km of the NH 36 is within the territory of the Doboka Reserve Forest. Its stretch also has 6 elephant corridors crossing the Highway. Also, due to its close proximity to the Kaziranga National Park, the Reserve Forest sees frequent visits from other animals of the park.
Instead the four lane highway will be constructed in an alternate route to ensure minimal damage to the natural surroundings. The NHIDCL has announced its decision to withdraw the earlier proposal in a recent meeting held with the District Administration of Hojai and representatives of several civic bodies and associations.
The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Hojai District, Gunadeep Das told G Plus that the NHIDCL is considering the alternate route via Dhighaljaroni, Bongaon, Tangia, Hatigaon, and Tapatjuri, about a kilometre away from the existing one. Feasibility tests and other inspections on the alternate route are yet to be undertaken.