GUWAHATI: The Public Works Department's (PWD) decision to construct the 5.44 km long flyover connecting Dighalipukhuri and Noonmati has stirred up controversy among the citizens residing in the region. Locals are strongly against the notion and alleged that neither the PWD nor the state authority initiated any public hearing to discuss the pros and cons of the new developmental project.
Moreover, the completion of the project is another pressing matter as it will require another three years.
It is to be mentioned that the foundation stone laying ceremony for the flyover is scheduled for January 1, 2024, at the Cotton College Hostel Road in Pan Bazar at around 2:30 PM.
In a press meeting on December 30 under the guidance of the Former Mayor of Guwahati, Kushal Kumar Sarma and other members of the society, the residents of Silpukhuri shed light on several issues related to the construction of the flyover. The concerned citizens filed a Right to Information (RTI) asking questions regarding the flyover project. However, according to them the responses to the questions were not convincing enough.
While addressing the media, Sarma shared, "We the concerned citizens are strongly against the decision of the respective department. Without any public hearing and proper evaluation, how can they decide to lay the foundation stone on the mentioned date? This project will affect the lives of several residents and businesses. We have been staying here for more than 30 years and all of a sudden, such changes will hamper the situation. It is a request to the authority to at least discuss the entirety and pause the preparations for January 1."
Apart from a public hearing, it is also being alleged that matters such as land acquisition, revenue, environmental impact assessment study, transparency of map etc still not disclosed to the public.
Another concerned citizen, Suprakash Talukdar, while sharing to media expressed, "Any fund for developmental projects comes through the Guwahati Municipal Corporation or the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority. But, when we approached them they said they are not associated with the project.”
“The PWD solely is the decision taker for such a drastic change. We don't think that for swift vehicular movement, this flyover is necessary that too from the mentioned areas. This flyover will rather intensify flash floods in our locality. The authority should've devised a substitute plan," Talukdar further added.
The flyover estimated to be worth ₹852.68 crore will be constructed by Shree Gautam Construction Co Ltd- Anupam Nirman Pvt Ltd (joint venture) and will be a four-lane stretch with 15.5 meters in width with a total number of 98 pillars.
Despite being the longest elevated corridor in North East, the public is not happy with the decision. Only time will reveal whether the authority pays heed to the demands of residents. The complexity of the situation will be out on January 1, 2024.
