GUWAHATI: Following strong public outcry over the planned removal of trees in Guwahati's Dighalipukhuri area for a new flyover, the Public Works Department (PWD) assured the Gauhati High Court on Wednesday, November 13 that no trees will be cut for the project.
The PWD submitted an affidavit detailing a revised plan, emphasising that adjustments were made to incorporate environmental concerns raised by the public. According to the new design, the flyover will extend an arm from GNB Road towards Lamb Road, with an additional branch leading to Rabindra Bhawan, effectively preserving the surrounding trees.
The PWD also confirmed that a new survey is underway to ensure the revised design is implemented seamlessly. Initially, a contract was reportedly awarded to a Haryana-based firm for tree relocation in the Dighalipukhuri area. However, this plan was abandoned following community protests that underscored the ecological and cultural significance of the site’s trees.
Earlier, facing widespread protests Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had said no tree would be cut and the flyover would be redesigned to protect the area’s greenery.