Around 100 trees have been felled in and around Deepor Beel since April 25 as work begins on a planned 4.8 km elevated railway corridor, prompting fresh concern from local residents and environmentalists worried about damage to the sensitive wetland ecosystem. Authorities say the necessary permissions for the clearance have been obtained, but the pace of tree felling and its proximity to the marshland have alarmed nearby communities.
The clearance, carried out for the elevated rail alignment that will pass close to Deepor Beel in Guwahati, has drawn criticism because wetlands like Deepor Beel are ecologically fragile and serve as habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Locals say the loss of mature trees could affect birdlife, water retention and the overall health of the wetland, though project proponents argue the development is needed for improved connectivity.
Environmental groups and residents have voiced worries that the cumulative impact of construction — including vegetation loss and increased runoff — may cause long-term harm to the wetland’s functions. While the report notes permissions were in place, it does not detail any mitigation measures or compensatory plantation plans accompanying the felling.
The issue was highlighted publicly on social media by a local news account on May 12, 2026, which shared images and updates about the tree felling and questioned whether necessary environmental safeguards are being observed. The reaction underlines local unease over balancing infrastructure growth with conservation of Deepor Beel’s fragile ecosystem.
The debate now centers on whether planned mitigation and regulatory oversight will be sufficient to protect the wetland as construction proceeds, and whether development in ecologically sensitive zones can proceed without lasting environmental costs.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/guwahati/watch-tree-felling-in-guwahatis-deepor-beel-for-elevated-railway-corridor-sparks-environmental-concerns
Category: Guwahati
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Publish Date: 2026-05-12 19:22:00
