GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court on Tuesday directed the chief secretary of the Assam government to file an affidavit detailing alternative proposals for the upcoming flyover near Dighalipukhuri.
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Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed against the proposed cutting of trees in the area for the construction of the flyover, a high court bench of THE CHIEF JUSTICE VIJAY BISHNOI & JUSTICE N. UNNI KRISHNAN NAIR posted the matter for further hearing on November 13, while directing the state government to submit its affidavit by November 11.
A group of local residents under the banner of Concerned Citizens of Guwahati had filed the PIL following protests against the move to fell trees, some centuries old, around the iconic Didghalipukhuri.
The PIL challenged the construction of two new road arms, Tayabullah Road (390 m) and West Dighalipukhuri Road (250 m), designed to connect with an elevated corridor on GNB Road in Guwahati. The petitioners have raised concerns that these additions, which will link the under-construction corridor from the RBI office in Ambari to the FCI Godown in Noonmati, threaten the century-old trees, which would need to be felled to make way for the project.
Petitioners argue that these historic trees are crucial to the local ecosystem and hold significant heritage value. They are urging authorities to preserve these trees as they contribute to the area’s environmental health and heritage.
Assam’s Advocate General, Devajit Saikia, appearing on behalf of the State, informed the court that the issue is being actively reviewed by the government for alternatives. The Chief Minister and the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) have indicated on social media that they are exploring alternative plans for the GNB flyover to avoid impacting the East and West Dighalipukhuri roads and to protect the heritage trees in the vicinity.
Acknowledging the importance of the issue, the court issued notices to the respondents, and scheduled the matter for further hearing on November 13. The Advocate General has been granted additional time to file a formal response on behalf of the state.