Guwahati's Race to Modernize: Must Nature Always Pay the Price?

Dikshita Das

The once-verdant surroundings of Dighalipukhuri have become a site of renewed environmental angst, as mature trees continue to be felled or hastily transplanted in preparation for a new ₹800-crore flyover between Noonmati and Ambari. Despite sustained protests led by students, citizens, and environmental experts, local residents now point to the tree removal as a major cause of the city’s recent sweltering temperatures and dust-choked air quality.

Public Protests Fall on Deaf Ears

In early June, disturbing footage of tree transplantation—conducted under the cover of darkness and without proper machinery—surfaced online, sparking widespread condemnation. Residents criticized the PWD’s “unscientific” relocation methods, warning that such trauma could doom the trees even if they survive the transplant.

Citizens—including students from Cotton University and community groups—have been organizing sit-ins, night vigils, and legal appeals to the Gauhati High Court. “We are not against development,” said Prerna Deka, a protester from Panbazar. “But this is blind development, where nature is being sacrificed without planning or accountability.”

On June 8, civil society activists rallied, emphasizing that transplanting large, deeply rooted trees has a survival rate of only around 10%, according to data from the Forest Research Institute.

Government Response and Countermeasures

The PWD maintains that night-time transplant operations, overseen by a Delhi-based consultant, include root-hormone treatments and trimming to avoid electric lines. However, locals remain unconvinced, citing concerns over post-transplant care and ecological damage.

In May 2025, the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) also faced criticism for prioritising water-treatment measures over ecological concerns. Meanwhile, the ongoing flyover construction contributes to dust accumulation, with reports linking the removal of treeshade to increased daytime temperatures and suspended particulate matter in the air. Residents venturing out from shaded lanes around Dighalipukhuri now contend with the harsh sun and swirling dust—conditions they argue could be directly tied to the loss of canopy cover.

Many believe that uprooting century-old trees—often referred to as the “lungs” of the city—not only threatens migratory bird habitats but also diminishes natural cooling and filters for air pollution. One climate journalist noted, “These trees… are crucial buffers against the rising heat, pollution, and climate impacts we face daily.”

Transplantation Efforts Fall Short

In response to the backlash, the government launched a tree transplantation drive, relocating several mature trees to the Ambari Textile Office campus—an effort initially welcomed as thoughtful and eco-conscious.

However, the condition of the transplanted trees has become a new point of contention.

Locals and environmental groups have alleged that the trees at Ambari are in poor condition, with little to no post-transplant care. Many appear dried up, leaning, or exposed without adequate soil and water—raising serious concerns about their survival.

Experts claim that only about 10% of mature transplanted trees survive, especially if they are not handled with professional care, regular monitoring, and proper soil preparation.

“Simply shifting the trees is not enough,” said Dr. Bhaskar Das, an urban ecologist. “They are living organisms and need intensive care after transplantation. What we’re seeing at Ambari is neglect, not preservation.”

Environmental Impact Already Being Felt

As summer intensifies, the fate of these trees has become symbolic of a broader struggle: whether the PWD will heed this wake-up call or whether the city will succumb to unrelenting heat and smog.

Residents say the aftermath of the tree removal is already visible. Without the shade of the old trees, the area around Dighalipukhuri is noticeably hotter during the day, with temperatures rising and dust clogging the air due to the ongoing construction.

“Earlier, this stretch used to be pleasant even in peak summer. Now, it feels like a furnace,” said Ramesh Kalita, a shopkeeper in Uzan Bazar. “The dust and heat are unbearable.”

According to environmental observers, such changes are likely to become more severe and permanent if more trees are cut without adequate compensatory planning.

The Call for Sustainable Development

While the flyover is expected to ease traffic congestion between Noonmati and Ambari, we, the citizens, urge the government to balance infrastructure with ecology and provide a transparent update on the condition of the transplanted trees.

Also Read: Tourism vs Tribal Rights: Striking a Balance in Meghalaya