Adil Hussain, Rima Das appeals Assam Govt not to cut 1k trees to expand NH 17

Over 1,000 trees, many of which are more than a century old, have been marked for removal on both sides of NH 17

Internationally acclaimed actor Adil Hussain and filmmaker Rima Das, both residents of Assam, have called upon the Assam government and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to reconsider their decision to cut down thousands of trees along National Highway 17 (NH 17) as part of a four-lane highway expansion project.

Over 1,000 trees, many of which are more than a century old, have been marked for removal on both sides of NH 17, stretching from Guwahati to Goalpara, to facilitate the upgrade of the existing two-lane road to four lanes.

In a Facebook post, filmmaker Rima Das expressed concerns, pointing out that most of the trees marked for removal are over a century old. She questioned whether planting saplings as replacements would sufficiently compensate for the loss, emphasizing that saplings take years to mature into fully grown trees. In a time of increasing global warming concerns, she requested the state government and relevant authorities to protect the existing trees.

Rima Das shared her connection with NH 17, stating, “We have 17 no. the national highway, since I live in Chaigaon. The highway is going through us. A beautiful road. Full of large-sized trees on both sides. I feel good when I see it. And no need to talk about how these plants are helping us. With the condition of global warming today, everyone knows how a giant tree helps us. For a few days today, I’ve noticed that the trees are numbered and I’ve heard, that this national highway will be expanding. Maybe four lanes or six lanes, for which these trees will be cut. These words, which I’ve heard, I don’t know if it’s true or false! I’ve been very nervous since I heard it. And that’s why I mean to say these things. The authority that is connected to the National Highway, may somehow protect these trees. It is a great thing to plant and grow these large-sized rare trees, Krishnasura, Radhasura, Banyan trees, 100 or 120 years old trees. As we are involved in farming, we have seen how the fertile power of the soil is decreasing. Making simple vegetables has also become a challenge. It takes 50 years for a giant tree to grow. If I plant small trees after cutting such a tree, can those small plants be able to fill the huge damage? That’s the question actually. We see that the trees are planted by dividing in the middle of the national highway. I mean to say if somehow divider this tree can be saved. And very good if they thought so, it would be a pleasure. If rare trees like dividers can be saved. It will be a good example for the National Highway Authority too. Everyone we will love. Expected that and said these things to look into this. You can see, that I took some videos. How it feels to see these different trees. I think trees are like our own heritage. The way we see it in the museum. We should not have a situation where future generations will not have to decorate trees in museums. May our new generation see the trees every day. This is my statement. Thank you.”

Responding to Das’ post, Adil Hussain expressed his concerns in a Facebook Live on Thursday, stating, “After landing at Guwahati airport and driving towards my home, the most beautiful sight is the trees lining the road. It saddens me to see these trees marked for removal for the highway expansion. I have visited around 60 countries, and they are more developed than India. Their roads remain undamaged for years, despite heavy rainfall. First-world countries undertake development without harming nature, showcasing a sense of accountability towards preserving their environment. The authorities in India can protect these century-old trees while expanding the highway, even if it increases the project cost.”

Hussain emphasized the emotional connection between nature, trees, and the ecosystem, urging people not to overlook the importance of these factors in the name of development. He also proposed alternative solutions to the highway expansion that could safeguard the trees and the environment. “There will be a way to construct the NH 17 without cutting, it might take a few more years but there will be a solution if we think about it. I always see in the news that a rhino gets killed by a bus and a deer comes under a bus or a car, my question is Can’t we make a fence in this 44-kilometer road in Kaziranga National Park where the animals are safe or are we careless about the animal lives?”, said Adil Hussain.

“I just want to appeal to the Assam government and NHAI not to chop down these 100-year-old trees,” he concluded.

Adil Hussain and Rima Das’s appeals highlight the need to balance development and environmental conservation in the interest of preserving Assam’s natural heritage.

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