STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The West Guwahati Nagarik Hoseton Mancha has been continuously protesting against the felling of 300 trees for the purpose of constructing a bridge to connect Guwahati with North Guwahati. These hundred year old trees stand tall at the Sankardev Park and Ajan Peer Park along MG Road in the city.
Padmashri Jadav Payeng, the forest man of India, visited the Sankardev Park on Tuesday in protest of the proposed decision of Dispur. “Who gave the Government or anyone for that matter, to cut down these rare and age-old trees? The trees are also home to various bird species. If these trees are felled, where will the birds go? It will be another big blow towards maintaining a healthy and balanced ecology. Moreover, if the Government moves ahead with its plan, in the next ten years, the city will in the same situation as Delhi is in right now.”
A member of the Mancha said, “This is an attack on Mother Nature and we will not allow this to happen. These trees are over a hundred years old and valuable to the ecology of the State. We will move to the national Green Tribunal against Dispur if needed but will never allow this awful thing to happen.”
Another member of the Mancha said that they tried to contact the local MLA Ramendra Nath Kalita on various occasions over the issue, however, they failed to receive response.