Push for rapid urbanisation is compromising the city’s natural resources and its unique biodiversity
In recent years, the Assam government has pursued a series of ambitious infrastructure projects, aimed at modernising and expanding Guwahati and its surrounding regions. However, these projects, promoted in the name of development, come at a substantial environmental cost. Thousands of trees are set to be cut down, sparking fears among residents, environmentalists, and ecologists who believe that the push for rapid urbanisation is compromising the city’s natural resources and its unique biodiversity.
ALSO READ: Uncertainty Surrounds Guwahati Redesign Plan
One of the major projects under scrutiny is the expansion of NH-17 along the Guwahati-Goalpara stretch. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) has confirmed that around 28,000 trees will be felled along the 128-km stretch. The loss of such a large number of trees has raised alarm among locals, who question the impact this will have on Guwahati’s already shrinking green cover.
In addition to the NH-17 project, the government has also proposed the construction of a ring road for Guwahati, requiring the felling of approximately 3,200 trees. While this ring road could alleviate traffic congestion and improve vehicle movement in the city, critics argue that the environmental trade-offs are far too high. The rapid deforestation for infrastructure raises concerns that Guwahati’s growth is not being handled in a balanced or sustainable manner.
Official sources report that tree surveys are underway in key areas like Khanapara, Jorabat, Sonapur, and Chandrapur, with plans to cut about 450 trees within the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary alone. As part of the road project, around 7.12 hectares of forest land within Amchang and 44.60 hectares of land within the sanctuary’s eco-sensitive zone will be utilised, further escalating ecological concerns. According to project plans, an 800-meter stretch of the road will pass within 50 meters of the sanctuary, raising questions about the future of the sanctuary’s wildlife.
A resident in Rukminigaon talking to GPlus said, “We need development, yes, but it has to be scientific and thoughtful. Guwahati is growing, and with that, we need infrastructure like roads and drainage systems. But it should not come at the expense of our open spaces, greenery, and environment.
In Rukminigaon, preparations for a new flyover have led to the planned removal of around 200 trees, with 50 to 80 trees already cut down. This has stirred concerns among local residents, who fear the impact on the area’s environment and community. Many worry that the loss of greenery will affect air quality, shade, and the overall character of their neighbourhood, prompting calls for a more balanced approach to development that preserves essential green spaces.
Many citizens feel their concerns are being sidelined.
On October 21, over 1,600 people signed a petition urging authorities to reconsider the Dighalipukhuri-Noonmati flyover project, which threatens a number of heritage trees. Residents argue that the project risks Guwahati’s green cover and impacts their quality of life, leading to protests throughout the city. For these residents, the trees slated for removal are more than just greenery—they are part of Guwahati’s history and soul.
On October 29, over 200 people gathered in Dighalipukhuri to voice their opposition to the planned tree cutting for a proposed flyover project. Later that night, the movement gained momentum as local youth joined together in a nighttime vigil, determined to protect the area’s green cover. Concerned about the potential loss of century-old trees that form a vital part of Dighalipukhuri’s landscape, residents and young activists alike are standing up to call for alternatives that preserve the city’s natural heritage.
Satyashree Agarwala Das, a concernsed citizen talking to GPlus said, “This is a disaster waiting to happen. Not just here in Dighalipukhuri but across Assam, trees are being cut down, and we are already seeing the effects. The weather is changing, and the city feels hotter. These trees are treasures—they bring life to this place, and we never thought they would be threatened.”
Another resident talking to GPlus said, “Planting new trees isn’t the answer. These century-old trees can’t be replaced. In a city like ours, it’s difficult to maintain green spaces, and these old trees are irreplaceable.” Many residents worry not only about the loss of shade and aesthetics but also about the impact on local bird populations that rely on these trees for food and nesting.
The controversy surrounding Guwahati’s green spaces isn’t limited to tree-felling projects. Deepor Beel, a renowned wetland and bird sanctuary located on the city’s outskirts, has seen a worrying decline in migratory bird populations. This year’s Winter Birding Festival (WBF) report revealed a sharp drop in migratory bird numbers, with only 11,000 birds from 155 species recorded, compared to 28,000 birds from 161 species in the previous year. For many conservationists, these statistics underscore the need to protect Deepor Beel and other vulnerable ecosystems that play an essential role in maintaining regional biodiversity.
Recent events at Deepor Beel have only heightened these concerns. The Rising Sun Water Festival, held from November 17 to November 20, 2023, attracted criticism from environmentalists who argued that such activities disrupt the natural habitat and disturb the delicate balance within the wetland. Conservationists warn that this could deter migratory birds from returning to the area, ultimately impacting Deepor Beel’s ecological health.
The rapid deforestation in Guwahati has already taken a toll on local biodiversity. Species once commonly seen around the city are now disappearing, as their habitats are destroyed to make way for roads and buildings. Environmentalist Moloy Barua has observed a significant decline in bird populations in recent years.
“Falcon birds and pond herons used to be common around Old DC Bungalow,” Barua noted. “But with the construction of parks and other structures, these birds have vanished. It’s heartbreaking.”
Barua also highlighted the impact of deforestation on Greater Adjutant storks, a critically endangered species. “In North Guwahati, we had a significant population of Greater Adjutant storks. Their nests were commonly found in Silk Cotton (Simolu), Mango, and burflower (Kodom) trees. Now that these trees are gone, their food supply chain has been disrupted, and they’re disappearing.”
For birds like the Greater Adjutant, nesting options are limited. With fewer trees available, these birds have fewer choices for breeding, leading to a slow decline in their population. “Guwahati used to have several wet grounds where these birds would come for breeding,” Barua added. “Today, those areas are paved over. We are losing them one by one.”
Similar stories have emerged from various parts of the city. Fields once home to bird colonies, such as the area near the SEBA office, have been replaced with buildings and concrete structures. Guwahati’s natural beauty, once characterised by wetlands, fields, and ancient trees, is slowly giving way to urban sprawl.
However on October 30, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attempted to soothe the public’s worries.
Sarma assured the public of the government's commitment to preserving the city’s heritage and environment while advancing infrastructure projects. He stated that the construction of the flyover from Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati will be conducted with a sincere effort to protect the old trees in the area.
Sarma called on all stakeholders to allow the Public Works Department some time to explore alternative proposals and evaluate their feasibility.
In a social media post, Sarma urged patience from the public, asking them to give the Public Works Department a little more time to “explore alternative proposals.” It sounds diplomatic, but residents and environmentalists alike remain skeptical, pointing out that alternative plans rarely seem to materialise in Assam’s infrastructure projects. Critics note that these calls for patience often lead to one inevitable result: The trees are cut down, the promises forgotten, and another patch of green is sacrificed in the name of development.
For many in Guwahati, the recent spate of development projects highlights the urgent need for a more thoughtful, sustainable approach to urban planning. Environmental groups are urging the government to adopt practices that include preserving green spaces, protecting wildlife habitats, and ensuring that infrastructure projects are planned with the environment in mind.
“Development doesn’t have to mean destroying nature,” said an activist talking to GPlus. “Cities around the world are embracing green solutions—why can’t we do the same here in Guwahati? We can build roads and infrastructure without cutting down century-old trees. It just requires careful planning.”
Guwahati stands at the crossroads. The city’s rapid development offers exciting opportunities, but it also poses significant risks to its natural environment. While modern infrastructure can bring economic benefits, residents argue that Guwahati’s growth must be balanced with efforts to protect its unique landscape and biodiversity.
The question remains: Will Guwahati’s leaders heed the call for sustainable development, or will the drive for modernisation lead to the irreversible loss of the city’s green spaces?