Guwahati: A section of concerned citizens in Guwahati has raised strong objections to the Assam government’s decision to extend the under-construction Maharaj Prithu flyover up to the Kamrup District Library, cautioning that the move could inflict irreversible damage on the historic Dighalipukhuri area and its delicate environment.
The citizens’ group stated that the proposed extension threatens both the heritage value and biodiversity of the region. Objections have been formally lodged with the Public Works Department (PWD) and the state government, urging an immediate withdrawal of the project to protect Dighalipukhuri’s ecological and cultural significance.
Earlier, in an affidavit submitted to the Gauhati High Court, the PWD had assured that the flyover would terminate near Rabindra Bhawan, with no impact on trees or greenery around Dighalipukhuri. However, the group alleges that the government is now reneging on this promise by moving ahead with plans to extend the flyover to the District Library.
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During a recent meeting with the PWD Chief Engineer, citizens were informed that only minor modifications had been made to the original design. Despite this, several trees along Dighalipukhuri’s divider have already been uprooted, and branches near the State Museum are slated for trimming. The proposed extension could require the felling of more than ten additional trees, some of which are decades or even centuries old, posing a severe threat to local ecology and bird habitats.
A spokesperson for the group condemned the plan, stating, “Extending the flyover to the District Library breaches the government’s own commitment and undermines the heritage of Dighalipukhuri.” They also warned that the expansion could obstruct the view of the Dr. Bhupen Hazarika statue, alter the site’s visual and cultural character, and negatively impact the main entrance to Dighalipukhuri.
Reports suggest that work on the extension has already begun, just six days after the passing of artist Zubeen Garg, who had been a vocal critic of the project and actively participated in protests against tree felling in the Dighalipukhuri–Ambari area. Citizens described the move as a “grave insult” to his memory.
The concerned citizens have called for the immediate withdrawal of the flyover extension plan to safeguard Dighalipukhuri’s environment, heritage, and ecological integrity.
