A few decades ago the areas around Hengrabari were covered with dense forest, tall trees and wild bushes.
However, with the pressure of increase in population, these forests were burned and cleared, the hillocks were cut down and the plain agricultural land were filled up for building houses and commercial shops.
With the construction of a national highway road passing through upper hengrabari and borbari, the area has been emerging as a commercial hub.
An old mythological story runs that the present elevated land Thamakitilla was the divine place where Gods and goddesses were used to halt during their journey.
People believe that there exist a divine boat made of stone on the eastern side of Thamakitilla that touches the low-lying paddy fields.
Deepar Beel, which is a vast expanse of water body on the western side of the city is not only a Ramsar site, but also is a Wildlife Sanctuary.
The forests act as the green lung of Guwahati, but, unfortunately, a large chunk of the area is encroached by unauthorized occupants.