Tezpur University has raised serious concerns over a proposed road widening project near its campus, highlighting potential risks to its boundary wall and overall infrastructure. A delegation from the university submitted a memorandum to the District Commissioner of Sonitpur, Ankur Bharali, on December 11 2024, urging reconsideration of the road alignment detailed in the project plans.
The delegation, comprising representatives from the Tezpur University Teachers’ Association (TUTA), Non-Teaching Employees’ Association (TUNTEA), and the Students Council, expressed their apprehension about the widening of the PWD road connecting Poruwa Chariali to National Highway 15. They emphasised that the proposed alignment poses a threat to the university’s safety, mobility, and infrastructure.
The university’s memorandum detailed how the road expansion, as per the Detailed Project Report, extends dangerously close to the boundary wall. This encroachment risks compromising the safety of the university community and sensitive equipment in laboratories located near the boundary. Additionally, the reduced distance between the university gates and the new road could disrupt the free movement of students and staff.
Vice Chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh noted that the issue had already been brought to the attention of the Chief Minister of Assam via a letter dated 27th September 2024. Similarly, the Additional Chief Engineer of PWD (Roads), Tezpur Zone, was informed on 27th November 2024, citing concerns over safety, structural risks to the boundary wall, and potential disturbances to essential facilities such as the animal house and sensitive equipment.
Another significant concern is the potential impact on the university’s historic main gate, inspired by a sketch by renowned cultural icon Jyoti Prasad Agarwala. The university community fears that if the road widening progresses as planned, this landmark gate may be permanently closed, stripping the institution of an integral part of its identity.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
The university community has alleged that vested interests may be influencing the decision to expand the road towards the campus, despite sufficient land being available on the opposite side. They argue that a more equitable alignment could avoid the risks posed to the university while still meeting infrastructure needs.
The situation has led to growing frustration among faculty, staff, and students, with the memorandum warning of potential agitation if the concerns are not addressed promptly. The university has called for immediate action and urged authorities to adopt a more scientific and balanced approach to the road-widening project.
Also read | Saving Aizawl : How indigenous activists are protecting their city