The Gauhati High Court recently disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Mahesh Deka and two others, concerning the proposed construction of two arms connecting the elevated corridor on GNB Road, which would have resulted in the felling of century-old trees around Dighalipukhuri pond in Guwahati.
The petitioners alleged that the construction would harm the environment and protested against the felling of the trees.
The court initially issued notices to the respondents, including the State of Assam and its various departments, to clarify their stance.
However, on November 5, 2024, the Chief Minister of Assam announced the realignment of the proposed flyover to avoid affecting the trees and the pond’s banks.
The revised design modifies the bridge’s starting points to Lamb Road and Rabindra Bhawan, ensuring no trees are harmed.
Given this development, the High Court deemed the petitioners’ grievance addressed and disposed of the PIL.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice N Unni Krishnan Nair noted that if the state fails to adhere to its affidavit, the petitioners or other concerned citizens may approach the court through appropriate proceedings.