GUWAHATI: The Chipko movement, known for its fervent opposition to commercial logging and governmental deforestation policies, has made a resounding return to Assam as concerns mount over the potential loss of over 2000 trees along the National Highway 17.
Renowned filmmaker Rima Das, taking to Twitter on November 19, posted a poignant video rallying for support to protect the region's vital green cover.
In the video, children were seen holding hands around a massive tree, symbolising a modern-day adaptation of the iconic tree-hugging protests synonymous with the Chipko movement. Rima Das passionately urged authorities, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and central figures like Nitin Gadkari and Narendra Modi, to intervene and reconsider the impending destruction of these trees.
Speaking to GPlus, Rima Das said that the indiscriminate cutting down of approximately 2000 trees in Boko, Chaygaon, and Rampur areas, some aged between 100 and 150 years. The filmmaker expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of thoughtful planning and suggested alternatives like using these trees as dividers instead of felling them.
Highlighting the cultural and environmental significance of these trees, which provide shade for institutions like schools and colleges, Rima Das pleaded for at least a partial preservation of the greenery. She emphasised, "Out of 2000 trees if 50 trees are saved, we will be moved. We are unhappy with the entire process."
The filmmaker underscored the irreplaceable nature of these age-old trees, stating, "Even if trees are planted to replace these, it will take at least 20 years, and no one will remember these trees." The video, featuring local children showcasing dark paintings depicting the grim reality of deforestation, serves as both a gesture and a prayer for preserving these vital trees.
The extensive tree-felling operations have not escaped the notice of renowned cultural icons in Assam, such as actor Adil Hussain. The influential actor has openly voiced his concern regarding the Assam government and NHAI's controversial decision to dismantle over 2,000 trees. This move, aimed at facilitating the construction of a four-lane highway from Goalpara to Guwahati, passing through Boko-Chaygaon, has stirred apprehension within the cultural and artistic community.
Recent media reports have shed light on the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) felling over 8,600 trees in the Goalpara district, including valuable sal trees, for highway expansion. The NHAI's identification of an additional 7,034 sal trees for future felling has triggered environmental outrage. Concerns are further heightened by accelerated tree-felling operations in areas like Singra and Chukuniapara in Boko, raising questions about the environmental impact and compensation plans.
Earlier speaking to GPlus, a senior official from NHIDCL, asserted that compensation and tree transplantation are under the forest department's jurisdiction. The official claimed that the forest department is actively planning transplantation and providing financial support for reforestation. However, the increasing frequency of tree removal for highway expansion projects, including the ongoing four-lane development, continues to draw criticism, prompting renewed scrutiny of environmental conservation efforts.