A report by Global Forest Watch says between 2021 and 2023, Assam lost 55.5 thousand hectares (kha) of tree cover, representing a 2.2% decrease since 2010
"Forest fires, soil erosion, floods, landslides, human encroachment, and expanding roadways are some of the main reasons for the decrease in green cover" —Official, Assam Science Technology and Environment Council
Assam, a state known for its green landscapes, diverse flora, and fauna, is now facing a critical environmental challenge as its forest cover continues to shrink. The reduction in tree cover has raised serious concerns about Assam’s future, especially with the increase in infrastructure projects that require large-scale felling of trees.
Recent data and ongoing protests reflect the increasing tension between rapid urban development and ecological conservation.
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Development vs. Environment: The Dighalipukhuri-Noonmati Flyover Protest
On October 21, 2024, over 1,600 concerned citizens signed a petition urging the government to reconsider the Dighalipukhuri-Noonmati flyover project in Guwahati. The flyover, aimed at easing traffic congestion, would have led to the cutting of several old trees around the historic Dighalipukhuri tank. These trees, some over a century old, are not only important for maintaining ecological balance, but also hold cultural significance for the people of Assam.
Residents voiced their concerns, emphasising that the loss of these trees would exacerbate environmental issues in the city, including rising temperatures, air pollution, and reduced biodiversity. In response to the widespread protests, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the project would be redesigned to avoid cutting down the trees. However, despite the government’s promise, scepticism remains among locals about the long-term impact of such development projects.
Rukminigaon Flyover: Broken Promises
While the government’s intervention in the Dighalipukhuri case was seen as a victory for environmental activists, a similar issue arose in Rukminigaon. Plans for a new flyover initially threatened the removal of nearly 200 trees. Following public outcry, officials assured that efforts would be made to minimise tree felling. However, reports indicate that at least 50 trees have already been cut down, raising fresh concerns about the ecological impact.
A senior official from the Public Works Department (PWD) told GPlus, “Seventy-four trees have been marked for possible removal, but only 8 to 10 trees will be cut for the project.” Despite these assurances, locals remain unconvinced, pointing to the lack of transparency in the decision-making process and insufficient consultation with environmental experts.
A Broader Pattern: The Guwahati-Goalpara NH-17 Expansion
The controversy over urban flyovers is only part of the larger issue. In 2023, the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) proposed widening the Guwahati-Goalpara stretch of National Highway 17. The project involved cutting down approximately 28,000 trees, including many that were over a century old.
The announcement triggered widespread protests, led by prominent figures like filmmaker Rima Das and actor Adil Hussain. Activists argued that such large-scale deforestation would have severe environmental repercussions, including increased carbon emissions, loss of wildlife habitat, and higher flood risks. Though the government promised to explore alternative options, locals fear that similar projects in the future could further deplete Assam’s green cover.
Statistical Evidence: Declining Forest and Tree Cover
Recent data from the Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC) highlights the ongoing reduction in Assam’s forest and tree cover over the past few years.
Talking to GPlus, a senior official from the Assam Science Technology and Environment Council said, “In 2021, Assam’s total forest cover was 28,325.31 sq km, which reduced to 28,313.55 sq km by 2023. That means we lost about 11.76 sq km of forest cover in just two years.”
He further elaborated on the state’s tree cover, saying, “In 2021, the tree cover stood at 2,173.62 sq km, but by 2023 it shrunk to 2,101.46 sq km—a loss of 72.16 sq km.”
Highlighting the combined impact, he added, “Altogether, Assam lost 83.92 sq km of forest and tree cover over two years, which is a significant concern for the environment.”
Explaining the causes behind this decline, the official pointed out, “Forest fires, soil erosion, floods, landslides, human encroachment, and expanding roadways are some of the main reasons for the decrease in green cover.”
Global Forest Watch Findings
A report by Global Forest Watch adds further weight to concerns about Assam’s shrinking green cover. According to the report, between 2021 and 2023, Assam lost 55.5 thousand hectares (kha) of tree cover, representing a 2.2% decrease since 2010.
The report also highlights the rising incidence of forest fires in the state. Between December 19, 2022, and December 23, 2024, Assam reported 512 high-confidence fire alerts—an unusually high number compared to previous years. In December 2024 alone, there were 2,147 deforestation alerts covering 24 hectares.
These findings suggest that forest fires, often exacerbated by human activity and climate change, are playing a huge role in Assam’s deforestation. The increasing frequency of fires poses a direct threat to both biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities dependent on forest resources.
However, speaking to GPlus, an official from the Assam Forest Department said, “Forest cover and tree cover have indeed reduced, but a comprehensive assessment is yet to be completed. The Environment and Forest Department, Government of Assam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), will carry out the detailed evaluation soon. A report on the findings will be made available in due course.”
The steady decline in Assam’s green cover has galvanised public sentiment, leading to several high-profile protests and citizen-led movements. In addition to the flyover protests in Guwahati, grassroots organisations have emerged across the state, advocating for better forest management and stricter environmental regulations.
One such organisation, the Citizens’ Coordination Committee, played a key role in the discussions with the PWD regarding the Rukminigaon flyover. “Our goal is not to oppose development but to ensure that it happens in a sustainable and transparent manner,” a member from the committee said.
Activists have also called for greater involvement of environmental experts in planning infrastructure projects. They argue that proper environmental impact assessments and public consultations should be mandatory before any major development project is approved.
As Assam’s green cover continues to shrink, serious questions remain unanswered. Can development and urban expansion be pursued without endangering the environment? Are the current promises of reforestation and ecological balance genuine solutions or mere damage control? While citizen protests and activism have brought temporary relief in some cases, the recurring pattern of tree felling and deforestation raises doubts about long-term sustainability.
