The move to cut down around a score of trees, some of which are said to be centuries old, at the iconic Dighalipukhuri in Guwahati for the construction of a flyover has quite rightly sparked outrage among environmentalists, citizens, and concerned stakeholders.
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The proposed project, aimed at easing traffic congestion, has raised critical questions about the city's priorities and its approach to sustainable development. Guwahati, like many urban centres, faces numerous environmental challenges, including air pollution, heat islands, and dwindling green spaces. Trees are the city's unsung heroes, providing shade, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity. They are also integral to the city's cultural and historical identity. Trees play a vital role in maintaining Guwahati's ecological balance.
They absorb pollutants, including particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, improving air quality and protecting public health. Trees also provide shade, cooling the city and reducing the urban heat island effect. Furthermore, they support local wildlife, preserving ecological balance and promoting urban biodiversity. In addition to their environmental benefits, trees have proven mental health benefits, reducing stress and promoting well-being.
They also act as natural sound barriers, reducing noise pollution. Moreover, trees are an integral part of Guwahati's cultural heritage, with many historic and spiritual sites nestled among tree-lined avenues.
There is no denying the fact that infrastructural development is needed, particularly when Guwahati’s human and automobile number is growing rapidly, but what’s important is to harmonise it with equally critical ecology. In the instant case, the Public Works Department had not even conducted an environment impact assessment or taken the local community into confidence, which is so vital for growth and progress. As the world grapples with the challenges of sustainable growth, balancing development and ecology has become a pressing concern.
Development, driven by human progress and economic growth, often comes at the cost of ecological degradation. However, neglecting ecological considerations can have devastating consequences, threatening the very foundation of life on Earth. The two-- development and ecology - are intertwined, not mutually exclusive. Ecological health is essential for human well-being, economic stability, and long-term sustainability. Natural resources, such as water, air, and soil, support human life and economic activity. Sustainable development that prioritises economic growth while considering environmental and social implications is the call of the hour. It is imperative to conduct environmental impact assessments to identify potential ecological risks when a project is conceived; restore degraded ecosystems to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services; incorporate eco-friendly designs and materials in urban planning; involve local stakeholders in decision-making processes and establish and enforce regulations protecting ecological interests.
Be that as it may, the spontaneous resistance to the move to cut down the trees at Dighalipkhuri appears to have woken up the government, and therein lies a glimmer of hope for Guwahati. The government has now decided to reassess its plans for a flyover near Dighalipukhuri, opting to explore alternative designs. Accordingly, instructions have been issued to draft a revised traffic flow plan so that the flyover either ends on GNB Road itself or follows an alternative route, thereby sparing the heritage trees surrounding Dighalipukhuri. The PWD has been tasked with submitting a detailed report within a week, outlining feasible solutions. One viable option is to realign the flyover, considering alternative routes that minimise tree cutting and preserve the green space. Elevated corridors or tunnels could also be designed to reduce the need for tree clearance. The Dighalipukhuri controversy has ignited a sense of community among Guwahati's residents. Citizens have come together to protest the tree cutting, highlighting the importance of people power in shaping the city's future. This movement demonstrates that collective action can influence policy decisions and promote sustainable development.