The removal of the historic trees around Dighalipukhuri in Guwahati has stirred up strong sentiments among Assamese cultural icons like singer Papon Angaraag and filmmaker Rima Das. Their responses highlight concerns over balancing development with preservation, emphasizing that these trees aren’t just greenery but integral parts of Assam’s heritage and identity. Papon, on his social media, expressed frustration over the persistent destruction of century-old trees for projects deemed necessary for the city's modernization, remarking that such development risks erasing Guwahati’s historical charm and ecological identity.
He urged for a more thoughtful approach where development could coexist with preserving historical elements, even if it requires additional resources. Rima Das also voiced her distress over the loss, mourning the irreplaceable value of these trees, which she considers a part of Assamese heritage. She appealed for a deeper understanding of the emotional and cultural loss caused by these decisions.
Their comments resonate with a broader debate on sustainable urban planning, where progress should ideally be harmonized with environmental and cultural preservation. Also Read: Construction of a nearly six-mile-long flyover from Reserve Bank to Noonmati is already underway. However, the project has sparked widespread discontent among local residents and the people of Guwahati after a recent change in the flyover's design, which now includes the Tayabullah Road,.