‘Unscientific' shifting of trees irks residents
Guwahati: Residents have raised concerns over the ongoing transplantation of trees from near the historic Dighalipukhuri pond to a designated land in Ambari. They said the process was rushed and unscientific and could risk long-term ecological damage.
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The trees are being relocated to accommodate the upcoming flyover spanning from Noonmati to Ambari, being constructed at approximately Rs 800 crore.
The Public Works Department (PWD) is carrying out the transplantation process that began last month. The trees are being translocated to Ambari textile institute. The department carries out the transplantation work at night. However, a video showing workers cutting portions of the tree without the use of appropriate machinery has enraged residents.
Following this, they confronted the workers.
Lakhya Jyoti Bora, sub-divisional officer at PWD, said while there are machines available for translocating small trees with a girth of about 500 mm, they are currently working with mature trees that have a girth of 2500 mm, for which such machines are not suitable.
"We are working in tandem with a Delhi-based consultant, who is executing the process by providing manures and various root hormone treatments. They have been working in other states, and the results have been great," Bora added.
The official said top portions of the trees were cut or trimmed to accommodate overhead electric wires, ensuring that the trees do not interfere with the lines during translocation.
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