GUWAHATI: The Public Works Department’s (PWD) decision to construct a 5.44-kilometre flyover between Noonmati and Dighalipukhuri has sparked widespread concern among residents of Guwahati. Locals have voiced their opposition to the project, fearing it will harm the environment, disrupt livelihoods, and erode the city’s cultural and historical heritage.
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A petition signed by over 1,600 citizens on October 21, has been submitted to the authorities, calling for the flyover’s reconsideration. Concerned citizens argue that the project will devastate Dighalipukhuri, a historical and cultural landmark of Guwahati. The lake, believed to date back to the Ahom dynasty, is a beloved green space where people gather for relaxation, community events, and morning walks.
“Dighalipukhuri is one of Guwahati’s last remaining green lungs,” said a resident. “The trees here are over a hundred years old, and we risk losing not just the trees, but also the birds and biodiversity that thrive in this area. Once gone, these green spaces will never return, and it will be a huge loss for the city’s environment and the well-being of its people.”
The lake is surrounded by important institutions, including Rabindra Bhawan, Assam State Museum, and several educational institutes. Locals fear the construction will disrupt the daily lives of students, traders, and commuters who rely on the area for their livelihoods.
Adding to the controversy, in a press meet held on December 30, 2023, former Mayor of Guwahati, Kushal Kumar Sarma, and other community members had raised numerous issues regarding the project. They expressed outrage at the lack of public consultation before the decision was taken, alleging that neither the PWD nor state authorities conducted a public hearing or sought feedback from affected residents. According to them, vital concerns such as land acquisition, environmental impact assessments, and project transparency have been left unaddressed.
Sarma voiced his frustration, stating, “This project will drastically affect our lives and businesses. We’ve lived here for over 30 years, and suddenly we’re being told that a flyover will be built without any proper evaluation or hearing. The authorities should at least consult with us and pause the preparations for the project.”
The flyover, which is set to cost ₹852.68 crore, is being constructed by a joint venture between Shree Gautam Construction Co. Ltd. and Anupam Nirman Pvt. Ltd. It will span four lanes and be supported by 98 pillars, making it one of the longest elevated corridors in the Northeast. Despite its ambitious scale, residents believe it will create more problems than it will solve, including worsening the area's already dire flash flood situation.
Suprakash Talukdar, a local resident, questioned the need for the flyover, stating, “Is this project truly necessary? We don’t think so. It feels like it’s being built for the convenience of a few car owners, while the rest of us suffer. What’s worse, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) say they aren’t involved in the project – it’s solely the PWD’s decision. There must be a better alternative.”
Despite the opposition, the PWD has shown no sign of halting the project. An official from the department stated, “As of now, we are proceeding with the orders that have been issued. There have been no instructions from higher authorities to stop or reconsider the project.”
For now, the fate of Dighalipukhuri remains uncertain, but locals are determined to fight for its preservation. Their appeal is simple: rethink the flyover, protect the city’s green spaces, and find a more sustainable solution to Guwahati’s traffic woes.
