The Dighalipukhuri, a historic lake and park in the heart of Guwahati, has long been cherished by locals for its natural beauty and cultural significance. However, in recent years, this once-pristine landmark has faced a steady decline in maintenance and environmental health, causing public concern. Compounding these worries are rumours that Dighalipukhuri is being privatised and rebranded, adding to the unease felt by locals who consider the site a vital part of Assam’s heritage.
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The situation took a turn in 2023, when discussions began to surface around the lake’s maintenance, environmental degradation, and alleged privatisation plans. Residents claimed that Dighalipukhuri was set to be leased to a Gujarat-based company and would be renamed “Entartica” under a tourism development project. The prospect of a private entity taking over such a prominent public site stirred anxieties about commercialisation, restricted access, and the site’s overall sustainability.
However, Assam Tourism Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah responded to these concerns clarifying that while Dighalipukhuri had indeed been leased to a company, it was not a move toward full privatisation. Instead, the minister emphasised that the aim was to enhance the area’s tourism appeal responsibly, without diminishing its historic value or limiting public access.
Instead, the minister emphasised that the aim was to enhance the area’s tourism appeal responsibly, without diminishing its historic value or limiting public access. According to Baruah, the project’s intentions are focused on controlled tourism development rather than a permanent rebranding of the site.
A major issue impacting the water quality at Dighalipukhuri is something called 'nutrification,' where an overload of nutrients, mainly from decaying plant matter and waste runoff, causes significant pollution, an official from the Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB) taking to GPlus explained. "This process leads to excessive algae growth, making the water murky and unsightly."
“There is also a possibility that underground water seepage may be affecting the water quality in Dighalipukhuri,” the official noted, indicating that the problem is multifaceted and may involve natural factors beyond human control. However, he acknowledged that the department’s periodic checks alone are insufficient to tackle these issues effectively. “Proper, continuous maintenance is essential to restore and sustain Dighalipukhuri’s health,” he added.
For many residents of Guwahati, Dighalipukhuri is more than just a park; it is a place of cultural and historical significance. Originally a tank connected to the Brahmaputra River, Dighalipukhuri holds a special place in Assam’s heritage. It has witnessed centuries of history, serving as a reminder of Assam’s unique identity. As a result, the idea of private management stirred strong emotions, with locals questioning whether a private company can genuinely preserve Dighalipukhuri’s legacy.
Recently, Dighalipukhuri turned into a centre of controversy after the government’s perceived move to cut down trees around it to make way for a flyover. Residents in large numbers lodged their protest before the government finally gave in and decided to redesign the flyover and keep the trees intact.
The questions remain: What measures can the Assam government take to better manage waste and prevent pollutants from entering the waterbody? How can local communities contribute to the protection of this historical site? Can stricter regulations on industrial runoff and waste disposal near the area help reduce pollution levels? And, most importantly, what immediate steps can be taken to reverse the damage done to Dighalipukhuri’s water quality?