India, Dec. 20 -- Deepor Beel, Assam's only Ramsar site, has triggered rising environmental concern after authorities marked more than a hundred trees for felling to make way for an elevated railway flyover. The proposed project includes a nearly 5-km-long, 21-foot-high railway bridge that will replace the existing track running close to the wetland.

Officials say the present railway alignment has proved dangerous for wildlife, especially wild elephants, with around 15 elephant deaths reported in recent years due to train collisions. They assert that the flyover aims to ensure safer passage for animals and reduce human-animal conflict.

While many have welcomed the intention to protect wildlife, the large-scale tree marking has alarmed r...