Dighalipukhuri tree felling: Gauhati HC seeks Assam govt’s reply by Nov 13

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 5, 2024

The Gauhati High Court has intervened in the ongoing dispute over plans to fell 27 century-old trees around the historic Dighalipukhuri pond in Guwahati.

The court has issued a notice to the Assam government, requiring it to submit an affidavit by November 13, detailing its plans for these trees as part of the proposed elevated corridor project.

This directive follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Northeast Now Executive Editor Mahesh Deka, journalist Chandan Borgohain, and activist Jayanta Gogoi.

The PIL challenges the necessity of cutting down these trees to connect Dighalipukhuri with Noonmati via Tayabullah Road and West Dighalipukhuri Road.

Environmentalists, students, and concerned citizens have strongly opposed the tree-felling, gathering to protest near Dighalipukhuri.

They argue that the trees, some over a hundred years old, not only play a key ecological role—by reducing pollution, providing shade, and supporting local wildlife—but also carry cultural and historical value for the city.

Their presence is intertwined with Guwahati’s heritage, and protesters worry that losing them could irreversibly impact the area’s ecosystem and character.

The Assam government, represented by Advocate General D. Saikia, has responded to the court by acknowledging the issue’s importance. Saikia highlighted that the Chief Minister and the Chief Minister’s Office are actively looking into alternative routes that could bypass these heritage areas. Photocopies of social media posts from the Chief Minister and his office were presented to demonstrate the government’s intent to consider options that would avoid cutting down these iconic trees.

The High Court, recognizing the weight of both environmental and heritage concerns, has given the state additional time to prepare its response, setting the next hearing for November 13.