Assam, a relatively underdeveloped state in India, faces numerous challenges, including insurgency, illegal immigration, rising income inequality, and a lack of employment opportunities. Large-scale infrastructure projects, such as flyovers, are often touted as symbols of development. However, many people question the true benefits of such projects, especially when they come at the cost of environmental degradation.
Cities like Dubai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, with their numerous flyovers and congested roads, are often seen as models of urban development. While these cities may appear prosperous, their infrastructure often fails to address underlying issues like air pollution, traffic congestion, and social inequality. Politicians and contractors often capitalize on this perception to push for similar projects in other cities, disregarding environmental concerns and community input.
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In Guwahati and across Assam, the construction of flyovers and other infrastructure projects has led to the widespread felling of trees. Despite public protests, authorities have often ignored environmental regulations and bypassed impact assessments. The Dighalipukhuri movement, which arose in response to the proposed felling of trees in this historically and ecologically significant area, has highlighted the growing public discontent with such destructive development practices.
The movement, which began on October 29, gained widespread support from people across Assam, India, and even internationally. People from all walks of life, including senior citizens, students, environmentalists, urban planners, LGBTQI+ community members, legal practitioners, academics, teachers, artists, and ordinary citizens, joined the protests. Inspired by the Chipko movement of the 1970s, protesters organized night vigils to protect the trees from being felled under the cover of darkness.
The Dighalipukhuri movement has become a powerful symbol of hope, demonstrating that collective action can challenge unjust development practices and envision a more sustainable future. This movement has inspired residents from other parts of the city to protest against similar projects that threaten their environment and quality of life.
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The protest has evolved into a broader movement to raise awareness about environmental conservation, biodiversity, citizen rights, urban planning, waste management, climate change, and community building. Various activities, such as birdwatching, night walks, tree planting, and cleanup drives, are being organized to engage the public and promote sustainable practices.
Moving Forward
To address the systemic issues that have led to such destructive development practices, we need to adopt a more sustainable and inclusive approach. The following steps are crucial:
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Collect project-specific and local data to assess the need for infrastructure projects. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing infrastructure and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: Conduct thorough environmental impact assessments to assess the potential ecological consequences of proposed projects.
- Economic Impact Assessment: Evaluate the economic viability of projects, considering factors like cost-benefit analysis, social return on investment, and long-term sustainability.
- Citizen Engagement: Actively engage with affected communities to gather feedback and incorporate their perspectives into decision-making processes.
By prioritizing sustainable development practices, we can create livable, clean, and accessible cities for all. This requires a shift towards participatory democracy, where citizens have a meaningful role in shaping their urban environments. By fostering collaboration between communities and government agencies, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Arshel Akhter is a Co-Founder of Purvca Foundation, a Guwahati-based civil society organization working to build climate-resilient and sustainable urban futures in Northeast India. He can be reached at: [email protected]