Singer Papon Joins Fight to Save Guwahati’s Historic Trees, Calls for Sustainable Development in Dighalipukhuri

Renowned singer Angarag Mahanta, popularly known as Papon, has raised his voice against the government’s deforestation plans around Guwahati’s historic Dighalipukhuri. In an emotional post on social media, Papon highlighted the need to preserve the city’s heritage, urging that development should not come at the cost of history and environment.

“If we break down everything that is old and only focus on building ‘new’, then we will become a historically very young place!” Papon wrote, expressing concern over the removal of trees over 150 years old. “We travel across the world and appreciate beautiful cities with their greenery and historic architecture! And here we are losing, almost heritage like, more than 150-year-old trees to ‘development’ of Guwahati city!”

The singer emphasized the value of blending new infrastructure with preservation efforts, even if it means adapting designs to retain historical elements. “Why can’t we build the new by saving the old, even if it costs more?” he questioned, echoing the sentiments of many residents distressed by Guwahati’s increasing deforestation.

Papon’s plea aligns with growing local resistance to the proposed flyover project, which would clear around 30 trees in the Dighalipukhuri area. Youths and students, led by activists from Cotton University, have begun night patrols to protect the trees, taking turns from 9 pm to 5 am, with morning walkers continuing the watch. “We share a deep emotional bond with these trees. If they’re in danger, then so are we,” a Cotton University student leader asserted.

The peaceful protests, combined with Papon’s message, underscore a call for sustainable development that respects Guwahati’s heritage and ecological balance.