GUWAHATI: As the city moves forward with plans for a new road overbridge near Railway Gate No. 5, Bharalumukh residents are speaking out against the proposal to cut down more than 70 trees in the area for the purpose.
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Talking to GPlus, Dharmendra Thakuria, a resident, said, "We want development, and the road overbridge is much needed. But not at the cost of these trees. Cutting them down will impact our neighborhood in ways people do not realise."
The Citizens’ Coordination Committee, representing the concerns of local residents, is set to organise a human chain protest on November 9 to demand a rethink of the bridge plans. They argue that the project moved forward without proper consultation with the community, leaving them worried about the environmental impact.
Another resident of the area seeking anonymity while talking to GPlus said, “The new bridge could help ease traffic, which is a good thing, but there should also be concern for our environment. It feels like they are not thinking about that.”
Talking to GPlus, Abinash Sarma, another Bharalumukh resident, questioned why newer, sustainable methods weren’t being explored. “We need development, yes, but it should be sustainable. With all the technology we have now, is cutting trees really the only way?”
The pushback from Bharalumukh comes amid a larger outcry in Guwahati over the cutting of trees for development projects. With recent protests around Dighalipukhuri and planned tree-cutting for the Cycle Factory flyover, many residents worry that Guwahati’s green cover is being steadily eroded without sufficient thought given to long-term environmental impact.
