The escalating Guwahati tree transplantation dispute has sparked public protests and widespread concern. As old trees are being uprooted for infrastructure development, residents are questioning whether urban growth must come at the cost of green cover.
What Sparked the Guwahati Tree Transplantation Dispute?
The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) began uprooting nearly 500 trees along the Six Mile–Khanapara road for a flyover and road expansion project. While authorities describe it as a relocation effort, activists say many trees may not survive the harsh conditions.
“This isn’t conservation—it’s a silent massacre,” said Dr. Arup Das, an ecologist from Gauhati University.
Experts argue that mature trees rarely survive relocation without extensive care and preparation. Many of the moved trees are already wilting.
GMDA’s Response to the Tree Uprooting Controversy
In response to backlash, GMDA officials stated that all legal and environmental protocols were followed. They said horticulturists are monitoring the transplanted trees and that aftercare will continue for a year.
“We are not cutting down trees; we are relocating them to safer locations,” claimed GMDA spokesperson R.K. Saikia.
Despite these assurances, local residents and experts remain unconvinced. Studies show tree survival rates after transplantation in India are often less than 30%.
Why the Guwahati Tree Transplantation Dispute Matters
This Guwahati tree transplantation dispute is more than just about relocating trees. These decades-old trees provided shade, reduced pollution, and helped prevent flooding—critical in a city already facing environmental stress.
Activists argue that removing so many trees in one stretch affects both biodiversity and the city’s resilience to climate change.
Find out why urban trees are vital for city health on the UN Environment Programme site.
Public Protest and Legal Pushback
Outrage over the tree removal has led to growing protests across the city. On Sunday, citizens formed a human chain along the affected stretch, carrying banners that read “Save Guwahati’s Trees” and “Green Today, Alive Tomorrow.”
Adding to the momentum, the Assam Environment Protection Forum (AEPF) filed a Public Interest Litigation in the Gauhati High Court, seeking an immediate stay on the transplantation.
View the AEPF petition summary
Online, the movement is trending under the hashtag #SaveGuwahatiTrees, receiving support from students, celebrities, and environmentalists across the country.
Ecological Impact of the Tree Transplantation Drive
The consequences of the Guwahati tree transplantation dispute go beyond aesthetics. Trees play a major role in maintaining the city’s microclimate, improving air quality, and preventing soil erosion.
Unregulated removal increases heat absorption, worsens air pollution, and leaves the city vulnerable to flash floods during the monsoon.
“Guwahati can’t afford to trade its ecological security for flyovers,” warned lawyer and environmental advocate Meera Borah.
Can Guwahati Build Sustainably?
Guwahati is growing, and infrastructure is important. But experts believe that development must include clear environmental safeguards. Many urban planners now advocate for tree integration rather than removal.
The ongoing Guwahati tree transplantation dispute highlights the need for transparency, public consultation, and scientific planning in development projects.
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The Guwahati tree transplantation dispute offers a clear message—citizen action matters. Guwahati’s future depends on thoughtful development that values both progress and the planet.
