Design of Dighalupukhuri Flyover in Guwahati Modified, Trees Won’t Be Cut, Assures CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

CM’s assurance comes amid protests against plans to chop off centuries old trees near the waterbody for the flyover

Amid hectic politicking in Assam and Jharkhand, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the site of the Dighalipukhuri flyover in the heart of Guwahati city last night and announced that the Public Works Department responsible for the design and construction of the flyover would come up with an alternate plan so that no tree in the area is cut.

“From the very beginning there was no plan to cut any tree. PWD had no plan to cut trees but as per the new policy, old trees would have been re-transplanted. But now old trees will not be re-transplanted nor will any tree be cut. The design of the flyover has been modified,” CM Sarma said adding that the government has informed the Gauhati High Court about the same.

CM said that the flyover will not extend towards the RBI office or the Handique Girls’ college located near the waterbody.

CM’s assurance comes amid protests by people opposing the alleged government’s decision to fell 200-year old trees in the area to make way for the proposed flyover that would connect Noonmati on one side and Dighalipukhuri on the other side.

Linking the issue to the upcoming elections, the CM said, “For the past 6 months I have noticed that there is a certain section of people who has been trying to rake up a controversy. Many people came out (to protest) because they care for the environment and trees and they want to save trees, but there are some who thought lets stall the construction of the flyover and the elections will take place amid traffic jams, people will continue to inconvenienced. Few people are trying their best to stop the developmental work that the government is doing”.

Earlier, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on X – “I want to assure you that the government is deeply committed to preserving our city’s heritage and environment while advancing infrastructure. In constructing the flyovers from Dighalupukhuri to Noonmati, we are sincerely working to protect the old trees in the area. I urge all stakeholders to allow the Public Works Department a few days to explore an alternative proposal and assess its feasibility.”

Citizens’ groups and local residents had come out in large numbers to protest the cutting of trees for the flyover.

CM Sarma had laid the foundation stone for the over 5 km long four-lane elevated corridor from Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati in February this year. The flyover is estimated to cost of Rs 852.68 crore.

Also read: Assam Govt Suspends 5 ACS Officers For Not Joining As Election Officers

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