Survey on for realignment of GNB flyover: PWD to HC

Guwahati: The PWD has submitted an affidavit before the Gauhati high court stating that the realignment of the GNB flyover, connecting Ambari with Noonmati in the city, was decided, and requisite survey and preparatory works are proceeding for the new design.The affidavit was submitted regarding a PIL filed by Mahesh Deka and two others earlier this month concerning PWD's initiative to fell at least 21 trees along the banks of the historic Dighalipukhuri tank in the city centre for the construction of two arms of the GNB flyover, which is under construction. The arms were intended to be constructed on Taybullah Road and West Dighalipukhuri Road.The department affirmed that "not a single tree on the bank of Dighalipukhuri will be affected under the modified design of alignment of the proposed flyover in question."Considering the state govt's decision to alter the alignment of the flyover, the Gauhati high court bench of Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice N Unni Krishnan Nair on Wednesday disposed of the petition, noting that the grievance raised was addressed and no additional orders were necessary.PWD's intention to fell the trees sparked substantial protests on Oct 29, persisting for over a week. Following these demonstrations, CM Himanta Biswa Sarma instructed the PWD, the department under his purview, to identify alternatives to preserve the ancient trees.The department's affidavit indicated that it identified the trees on Oct 27 and enlisted Sisodia Building Lifting Works, a Haryana-based firm, to assess the feasibility of relocating the identified trees within the vicinity or elsewhere in the city, and to evaluate if pruning would suffice.However, the PWD indicated that the assessment remained uninitiated despite the firm's representatives' arrival, owing to subsequent developments.The affidavit detailed that the matter reached senior authorities, and consequently, on Nov 5, the CM announced the flyover's realignment without impacting Dighalipukhuri pond's sides and existing trees.The revised design positions one bridge terminus at Lamb Road Point on GNB Road, approximately 200 metres from the tank, while the other terminus will be situated near Rabindra Bhawan Point on GNB Road, opposite the tank, ensuring the preservation of both Dighalipukhuri banks and trees.
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