Guwahati, Aug. 10 -- Development projects undertaken without proper planning and environmental safeguards can have serious consequences for Assam, senior advocate of the Gauhati High Court Kamal Nayan Choudhury said, calling for a "holistic approach" to development and stronger commitment from the state to protect the environment.

Speaking at a special lecture organised by environmental collective Dharitri Suraksha Mancha, Assam, in Guwahati, Choudhury said constitutional mandates relating to environmental protection were being violated "with impunity" in the name of development.

He particularly questioned the necessity of infrastructure projects in Guwahati, including the proposed flyover connecting Dighalipukhuri and Noonmati, and ask...