The Assam government’s decision to cut down a large number of trees around Dighalipukhuri to facilitate construction of a flyover has come in for sharp criticism
Over the past few decades, in the name of development, “My Guwahati’s” green cover has suffered incessant losses for decades. Trees have been felled, green spaces razed, and natural habitats replaced by concrete infrastructures that bring little relief to the region's already strained environment. The recent decision to cut down trees around the iconic Dighalipukhuri for a new flyover stands as a grim reminder of how, across Assam and indeed the entire Northeast, we’re sacrificing our region’s precious natural heritage. According to news reports, Assam has lost around 269,000 hectares (2,690 sq km) of tree cover between 2001 and 2020. If we continue on this path, Assam may soon lose its place as one of the green reservoirs of India, and future generations will face the grave consequences of today’s misjudgments.
Frankly, this situation is eerily reminiscent of the decisions made by emperor Muhammad bin Tughluq, often labeled the "wisest fool" for his policies that, although ambitious, were frequently detrimental. The 18th Sultan of Delhi had many wise plans but implemented them in a foolish manner. Today, we find ourselves questioning who might be playing the “wisest fool” in Assam, ignoring the value of our natural assets in the name of hasty development. The trees of Dighalipukhuri are more than just wood and leaves—they are life-givers, climate stabilisers, and homes to countless birds and animals, essential to maintaining the city’s ecological balance.
The Vital Role of Trees in Urban Ecosystems
Trees provide far more than aesthetic appeal; they are central to our survival. Basic science teaches us that trees are oxygen factories, converting carbon dioxide into the life-sustaining air we breathe. Removing trees not only deprives us of this vital service but also releases stored carbon, worsening the city’s pollution and accelerating climate change. In a time where we are battling rising temperatures, unpredictable rains, and environmental disasters, the indiscriminate felling of trees is a move in precisely the wrong direction.
In recent months, Assam has experienced unusually high temperatures, with cities like Guwahati recording their highest ever September temperatures, exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, significantly above normal ; many people (including scientists) attributed this heatwave to factors like a weakened monsoon, deforestation, and global warming, causing concerns about the unprecedented warm weather conditions in the region. Trees are natural buffers that regulate city temperatures, protect against erosion, and manage stormwater. By cutting down these trees, we strip the city of its natural defenses, leaving it vulnerable to flooding, soil degradation, and intense heat during summer months. We have already seen that happening in the form of urban flooding within Guwahati, devastating landslides in places like Kharguli, Kalapahar, Jorabat, etc.
Additionally, and probably one of the most important aspect about the Dighalipukhuri trees is that they are home to countless species of birds, insects, and small animals. Destroying these habitats will lead to their displacement or death, an unethical and unnecessary cost that can and must be avoided at all costs ! Mother Nature won’t forgive us for such ‘homicidal acts’ !
Learning from Global Models of Sustainable Urban Development
The world is replete with examples of cities that have managed to grow and thrive without sacrificing their green cover. Cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and Melbourne have demonstrated how infrastructure and nature can coexist harmoniously. Singapore, for instance, has adopted a "City in a Garden" philosophy, where every new development includes green spaces, tree cover, and even vertical gardens on high-rise buildings. It is now one of the greenest urban environments globally, with 47% green cover. Singapore’s approach emphasises that city development and natural preservation can coexist; we only need the political will to enforce it.
Similarly, Tokyo’s urban planning respects its historic and natural landmarks. As the capital of Japan and the world's most populous city with over 37 million people, Tokyo has effectively balanced urbanisation and environmental conservation, showcasing parks, waterways, and greenery amidst modern infrastructure. Civil construction projects are executed with a clear mandate to integrate trees, green belts, and other natural elements, allowing Tokyo to retain its environmental integrity.
In Australia, Melbourne has also shown the way with its urban forest strategy. The city actively plants trees, preserves existing ones, and involves its citizens in tree conservation efforts. Melbourne’s city council recognises that a high green cover helps mitigate urban heat, reduces pollution, and creates a healthier living environment for all. If these cities can achieve sustainable urban development, why can’t we?
Alternatives to Cutting Down Trees
It’s not that urban development and environmental preservation are mutually exclusive; in fact, they complement one another. Several engineering solutions allow for infrastructure expansion while conserving trees and greenery. India is home to some of the world's most skilled environmental scientists and engineers, individuals capable of designing development projects that prioritize sustainability. What is needed is a shift in mindset among decision-makers, who must recognise the value of trees and ecosystems in urban areas and incorporate environmental preservation into their planning processes.
The Cost of Environmental Neglect
We cannot afford to ignore the cumulative impacts of deforestation on our health and well-being. Beyond the immediate loss of greenery, continued tree-cutting will have far-reaching consequences for our climate and biodiversity. The displacement of wildlife caused by deforestation also risks upsetting our ecological balance, a balance that Nature will inevitably restore in ways that may harm us.
I would like to remark here that extensive research globally has consistently demonstrated that ecosystem disruptions frequently lead to heightened human-wildlife conflicts, increased disease transmission, and deterioration of agricultural lands.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The citizens of Guwahati cannot & should not remain silent as our city’s green cover is getting sacrificed under the guise of development.
We must voice our opposition to the destruction of Dighalipukhuri’s trees and demand that our government adopt environmentally sustainable practices in all future projects. I am not a legal expert, but to prevent the destruction of trees, one can take legal action by filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) or by supporting the Preservation of Tree Act. On August 5, 2024, the Supreme Court of India directed that public authorities must try to reduce the number of trees cut for public projects by re-evaluating the project's alignment. The court made this decision in line with the spirit of Article 51A (Fundamental Duties) of the Constitution of India. In a news report, it was said that the Supreme Court's decision is based on the following : (a) Article 21: The right to a clean and healthy environment is a fundamental right. (b) Article 48-A: The state is required to protect and improve the environment, and to safeguard the country's forests and wildlife. (c) Article 51A(g): The duty of citizens to protect and preserve the natural environment, which includes forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife.
Remember !! Every tree lost is a step closer to a barren, hotter, and more uninhabitable city, a city our children will inherit only to suffer from our missteps. It is time for each of us, as conscientious Guwahatians, to step forward and advocate for Dighalipukhuri, for the trees, for our birds, and for the environment. We must insist on an urban development model that protects our natural heritage, preserves our green spaces, and respects the sanctity of life around us. The future of Assam, and the Northeast as a whole, depends on our commitment to safeguarding our environment today. The government must heed our call and realise that true progress is not measured by the number of flyovers we construct, but by the natural world we protect and pass on to future generations.