GUWAHATI: In light of recent events residents of Uzan Bazar have expressed their concern against the unlawful cutting of trees due to riverfront development.
The trees and greenery around the stretch along the river have been chopped down recently owing to the ongoing construction and development, leading to massive deforestation. Speaking to Dimbeshwar Mahanta, a resident of Belle View claims that in recent months the face of the area has changed and the natural beauty is slowly on the verge of depletion.
"They are cutting down trees in the name of development but the main question is will they plant these trees once the project is completed?" asked Mahanta.
There are many residents like Mahanta who are afraid that the area won't be the same with the ongoing construction and in addition to that have shown concerns regarding the timeliness of the completion.
Talking to G Plus, Samudra Kalita, another local of Pan Bazar, said "The portion of the entire stretch is in disarray and there were some very old trees that have been chopped because of this the guard rails have been destroyed. "
The concerned citizens have taken to social media to express their anguish and demand immediate action. They argue that the rapid destruction of trees not only disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem but also worsens the impact of climate change.
In a bid to develop the Brahmaputra Riverfront from New DC Bungalow to Kachari Ghat, ITD Cementation India Limited, in collaboration with Guwahati Smart City Limited, has initiated a three-year project.
The project aims at transforming the riverfront into a modern and sustainable space. The development plans span a distance of 1.3 kilometres, promising to enhance the city's infrastructure and provide a rejuvenated riverfront experience to the citizens of Guwahati, as per reports.
According to a source at Guwahati Smart City Limited, the official has claimed that they have taken permission from the Forest Department for cutting the trees.
Another resident of Uzan Bazar had said that the loss of trees in Belle View Uzan Bazar, known for its lush greenery, will have a detrimental impact on the local ecosystem and increase the issues of air pollution.
However, to address these concerns, the official has assured that after the completion of the project in 2025, a comprehensive tree plantation program will be undertaken to compensate for the trees that have been cut down.