The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led state government on Wednesday expressed its commitment to preserve the city’s heritage and environment but the assurance failed to convince those protesting against the administration’s move to fell “heritage trees” at the iconic Dighalipukhuri here to build the city’s longest flyover.

Sarma’s assurance came in the form of a post on X amid the ongoing protests at Dighalipukhiri, a popular city landmark not only steeped in history but also considered the city’s green lungs.

His X post said he wanted to “assure” that his government was “deeply committed to preserving our city’s heritage and environment while advancing infrastructure”.

He added, “In constructing the flyovers from Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati, we are sincerely working to protect the old trees in the area. I urge all stakeholders to allow the Public Works Department a few days to explore an alternative proposal and assess its feasibility.”

With the protestors digging in their heels despite Sarma's assurance by continuing with their agitational programmes and seeking a written commitment since “social media posts can be deleted”, chief secretary Ravi Kota chaired a meeting with senior officials of PWD (Roads) on Sarma’s instruction “to discuss possible alternatives for the upcoming GNB flyover to avoid West & East Dighalipukhuri Road”.

In a post on X late on Wednesday evening, the chief minister office’s also said, “Instructions have been issued to prepare a draft traffic flow to ensure the flyover ends on GNB road itself or any other alternative road to avoid cutting of heritage trees in Dighalipukhuri area.” The PWD team will submit its report within a week with proposed modalities.

The X posts followed widespread criticism of building flyovers at the cost of nature and the protesters’ assertion that they will continue with the protests until they get the government decision in writing “because social media posts can be deleted”.

Two of the protesters, Indranee Dutta, former professor and director of the Omeo Kumar Das Institute of Social Change and Development, and activist Sangita Das, told The Telegraph on Wednesday night that they will continue with the protests till they receive a formal commitment from the government.

Dutta said they will be responding to the government’s social media posts by Thursday under the banner of ‘Save Dighalipukhuri Forum’ but “we will not give up the protests till we have something in writing stating Dighalipukhuri’s ecology and heritage will be protected”.

Sangita said that besides a written commitment, they also want the administration to hold a public hearing and also carry out an environmental impact assessment.

Wednesday marked the third straight day of the protests which have drawn city residents from all walks of life under the banner of “Save Dighalipukhuri Forum”. Wednesday’s protesters mostly included students, especially Cotton University, Handique Girls’ College and B Barooah College. They staged a dharna and took out a march.

Few protesters also questioned what was the chief minister and the BJP-led state government “doing” when the project report was being prepared, referring to Sarma’s assurance to “sincerely” protect old trees and exploring alternatives.

The protesters met on Wednesday evening to chalk out a roadmap and will continue with their night vigil on Wednesday.