In Dhemaji 3,000 trees to be felled for the expansion of NH 515

Guwahati: Large-scale felling of trees to widen national highways is underway in various parts of Assam. After felling 293 heritage trees on the Dharapur-Pathsala road and 710,000 trees on the Chaaygaon-Goalpara road, the Assam government is now planning to cut more than 3,000 trees, some of which are 300 years old, to replace National Highway 515. can be widened from Kulajan to Jonai in Dhemaji district.
This large-scale felling of trees continues across Assam – even as the state government launched the Amrit Briksha Abhijan on October 2, planning to plant more than 1 crore commercial trees across the state.
A nature loving organization – Bihanga Bandhu has expressed serious concern over the felling of trees on National Highway 515 in Assam.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a copy of which has been submitted to the Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Bihanga Bandhu urged him to ask the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to stop felling of trees on national highways. Instruct to stop.
“More than 3,000 trees will be cut and of them, 1,000 have already been cut on the highway,” said Jugal Bora, a member of Bihanga Bandhu.
“We are deeply concerned about the environmental consequences and the impact on the local ecosystem after the removal of the remaining trees. We request you to cut down the trees listed below along with their numbers and locations along the highway. expand. Some are more than a hundred to two hundred years old,” Bihanga Bandhu said in his letter to the Prime Minister.
“These trees play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region by absorbing carbon dioxide produced and providing oxygen to millions of people. Besides, they provide habitat for various bird and animal species. Act as either roosting or nesting.
The root system of these trees is preventing soil erosion, thus maintaining this stretch of road during the frequent floods in Dhemaji district.
“Removal of trees can increase erosion, which can affect the stability of the national highway. In summer, these trees shelter many vehicles taking shelter in their shade and they attract local visitors due to their aesthetic appeal. “They also attract attention. Their removal will have a negative impact on the overall visual appeal,” they added.
“We request alternative solutions, such as planning the construction of a road around them. The local community is also deeply concerned about these tree cutting activities, and we believe that the collective voice of these residents It is important to consider who cares a lot about our environment,” they added.
“We request an immediate inquiry to assess the situation and take appropriate measures to stop the felling of trees on the national highway. We strongly believe that a balance can be struck between development and environmental protection. is,” the letter said.
“We are ready to help in any way possible to support this cause. Your immediate action on this matter would be appreciated,” the letter added.
Earlier, this week, NHAI was in the process of felling more than 10,000 trees on both sides of National Highway 27 from Chaaygaon to Goalpara in Assam.