GUWAHATI: The Public Works Department (PWD) will cut down 8-10 trees for construction of a road overbridge near Railway Gate No. 5 at Bharalumukh in Guwahati and not the 74 trees it had marked.
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Talking to GPlus, a senior official from PWD said, “Seventy-four trees have been marked, but only 8-10 trees will be cut for the road overbridge. As of now, there are no plans to redesign the project.”
The proposal to cut the 70-plus trees had sparked a heated debate earlier this month with residents taking to the streets to voice their opposition.
On November 9, more than 100 residents gathered to protest the markings, arguing that indiscriminate tree cutting would have long-term environmental consequences for the area. While the need for the overbridge is widely recognised, locals expressed concerns about the lack of transparency and the potential ecological impact.
Dharmendra Thakuria, a Bharalumukh resident, told GPlus, “We want development, and the road overbridge is much needed, but not at the cost of these trees. Cutting them down will impact our neighborhood in ways people do not realise.”
Following discussions with the Citizens’ Coordination Committee, the PWD has now revised its initial plan.
Despite this decision, skepticism remains. Residents claim they have not been shown the project’s design or blueprint, leaving many uncertain about the PWD’s assurances.
Talking to GPlus, a 70 year old man from Bharalumukh seeking anonymity said, “Why are they not showing us the design? How can we trust that only 8-10 of these old trees will be cut? These trees are an integral part of our neighbourhood.”
The trees in question, many of which are decades old, play a crucial role in providing shade, controlling pollution, and maintaining the area’s green cover. Residents fear that even the limited felling of trees could disrupt the local ecosystem, especially since Guwahati already struggles with urban heat and air pollution.
For now, the PWD remains firm on its decision, citing the need for improved connectivity and reduced traffic congestion in the area. However, residents are calling for greater transparency and an opportunity to review the project plans.
As Guwahati continues to grow, the Bharalumukh controversy underscores the challenges of balancing development with sustainability. Whether the PWD can address the concerns of the local community while moving forward with the project remains to be seen.