Guwahati, Nov 5: As protests continue in Dighalipukhuri area in Guwahati against the removal of trees for a flyover project, a fresh wave of opposition has erupted in Kalapahar over a similar plan.
Local residents and environmental activists are rallying to save two historic trees slated for removal to make way for the Cycle Factory Flyover Project. The protests highlight growing concerns over Guwahati’s urban development practices, which many argue are disregarding both heritage and environmental sustainability.
However, an environmental activist has contested the claim that the teak and karai trees are over 200 years old, suggesting instead that their age may not exceed 70 year.
These trees are more than just local landmarks; they are symbols of the community’s heritage and play an essential role in providing shade and supporting groundwater retention in the area.
Locals argue that the wide 20-meter road may not require a flyover and worry that the project could unnecessarily disrupt their lives and livelihoods. They contend that the flyover’s construction would not only remove these environmentally significant trees but also impact the local ecosystem and community cohesion. The protests underscore broader concerns over sustainable urban development and the preservation of natural resources amidst infrastructure expansion.
In March 2024, residents of Lokhra Road in Guwahati submitted a letter to the Assam Chief Minister’s Office, suggesting alternatives to the proposed flyover from Kalapahar Cycle Factory to Lalganesh. They argued that simpler traffic management measures, such as a road divider and enhanced traffic policing, would suffice on the wide 20-meter road, making a flyover unnecessary. The letter expressed concerns that the three-lane flyover would disrupt the lives of nearly 2,000 families, as well as impact local businesses and livelihoods.
Residents highlighted that many shops and small businesses essential to family incomes would face acquisition, as they are situated on private land designated for the flyover. “The livelihood of many families depends on these businesses,” they stated, urging the government to avoid acquiring private land or harming these income sources. They also noted that the community had already contributed roadside land in 2014 for improvements in road and drainage infrastructure, showing past cooperation with urban development efforts.
The letter further emphasized the cultural and environmental significance of the site, as the proposed construction would lead to the loss of two historic trees that provide shade and contribute to groundwater recharge. Additionally, it noted that religious structures on private land would be affected, adding another layer of disruption for local residents.
Shyama Pada Roy, a resident of Guwahati, shared memories of an earlier attempt to cut down the historic trees along the proposed flyover route from Kalapahar Cycle Factory to Lalganesh, which local residents successfully halted.
“They tried cutting them down before, but we managed to stop it. This time, I have lodged a complaint but received no response,” Roy said. He mentioned that the district commissioner’s office had instructed the Public Works Department (PWD) to explore alternative ways to preserve the trees.
Local businesses also stand to face severe disruptions if the flyover proceeds. “This shop is my family’s livelihood. If they acquire this land, what will we do?” a shopkeeper near the Cycle Factory expressed, underscoring the financial risks for small business owners in the area.
The Kalapahar Citizens’ Committee has joined the opposition, warning that the project could lead to the acquisition of private homes and businesses along both sides of the road. “If the proposal goes forward, it will force the government to acquire private homes and businesses along both sides of the road,” the committee stated. “This decision will impact the livelihoods of the entire area,” they added, amplifying calls for the government to reconsider the project’s necessity and seek less disruptive solutions.
In September, residents of the Kalapahar-Lalganesh area sent a follow-up letter to authorities, emphasizing the need to protect local businesses that rely on their own land and urging officials to avoid forced acquisitions.
Despite these appeals, a senior official from the Public Works Department (PWD) indicated that construction is already underway, and the alignment for the flyover is set.
“We have discussed replantation plans with the forest department and other concerned departments,” the official said. “The alignment of the bridge has already been fixed, and construction is underway. As of now, there are no plans for redesigning, so these trees will be cut down,” he added.
