Guwahati, India - A significant uproar has erupted among environmentalists, local residents, and students over the Assam government's decision to cut down trees for the construction of a proposed flyover at Bharalumukh. Protests intensified over the weekend, culminating in the detention of three individuals, including graffiti artist Marshal Baruah, student activist Angkuman Bordoloi, and local Kamal Kumar. This move has attracted sharp criticism as it places development at odds with environmental conservation.
On Sunday, Nov. 10, the trio was taken by police during their protest against the tree-felling decision. Currently, they are being held at Bharalumukh Police Station, where access for supporters and media has been tightly restricted, raising concerns about transparency and the freedom of expression.
The protest was spurred by the announcement from Assam's Public Works Department, which marked over seventy trees for removal. Activists expressed outrage at what they believe is inadequate public consultation prior to such significant environmental impacts. According to reports, the protestors originally painted the slogan “Please Himanta Save Nature” on the wall, referencing Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam. Frustration manifested when the slogan was later altered to “Kick Himanta Save Nature,” reflecting the protestors’ tightening grip on the issue.
Local activist Nirmal Payeng, known as the ‘Forest Man of India’ for his work on forest conservation, voiced strong opposition to the detentions, emphasizing the contradiction between the tree felling and the region's environmental needs. “While there are individuals like Jadav Payeng creating entire forests, our government is opting for development at the cost of nature,” he said.
The protests began earlier when residents from Bharalumukh and students from various educational institutions took to the streets, forming human chains and chanting slogans aimed at safeguarding their local environment. Protesters stressed the importance of balancing development with the preservation of nature, citing the trees as not merely resources, but as integral components of their heritage and community life. One local elder remarked, “These trees have been here longer than most of us. They provide shade, fresh air, and history for our city. If we let them go, we lose more than just trees; we lose part of our identity.”
The recent events echo previous protests held against tree felling, particularly the significant backlash against tree removal for the GNB Road flyover construction. Following considerable public outcry, the government was compelled to realign the project to preserve local trees.
The protests continue amid fears of repeated neglect over the ecological cost of development projects. Protesters have also called for community hearings and consultations before any more environmental actions take place, stressing the need for both governmental accountability and public agency. This situation reflects growing tension between citizens and authorities over environmental issues, as Guwahati grapples with urbanization and its accompanying environmental challenges.
The outcry for responsible urban planning isn’t just about the trees and the natural environment; it’s about the voices of the people. The protesters have vowed to keep their protest alive until their message is heard loud and clear: development shouldn’t come at the cost of community heritage and nature. The situation remains tense as the local and state governments respond to this growing unrest, sporting slogans of nature conservation against the backdrop of development.
