Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday dismissed claims regarding alleged tree cutting at Dighalipukhuri, taking a subtle dig at Assamese actor Ravi Sarma amid ongoing social media debates.
Addressing the media, Sarma said, “An artiste is trying to make such comments with the intent of taking Zubeen’s place. But that’s not how we do it.” He firmly rejected the allegations, stating that not a single tree has been cut around the historic pond. The Chief Minister recalled personally assuring singer Zubeen Garg during his lifetime that the trees surrounding Dighalipukhuri would be preserved. “Every plant stands as it is. These are false interpretations and baseless rumours,” he added.
Sarma also announced that the government would soon organise a media visit to allow journalists to inspect the area and verify the claims firsthand.
Supporting the Chief Minister’s statement, Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika also countered the allegations on social media. He wrote, “Ravi Sharma dangoriya, someone has misled you. The claim that trees were cut down at Dighalipukhuri after the death of our beloved artist Zubeen da is completely false. Not a single tree along the Dighalipukhuri banks has been cut, nor was there ever any proposal to do so. This allegation is entirely false and baseless.”
The statements come amid growing discussions online over Dighalipukhuri’s preservation, a site of deep emotional significance for fans of Zubeen Garg following the singer’s passing.
