Citizen Power Wins: Uttarakhand Suspends Tree Felling for Rishikesh–Bhaniyawala Highway

In a massive victory for citizens and environmental conservationists—dubbed online as "Chipko 2.0"—the Uttarakhand government has ordered an immediate halt to the felling of 4,369 trees slated for removal to widen the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh highway stretch.

Key Highlights of the Decision:

• The Project: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) initiated the four- and six-lane widening project along an approximate 20 km stretch to improve road connectivity for the Jolly Grant Airport and the Char Dham Yatra.

• Ecological Concerns: Sustained protests erupted because the planned route passes through sensitive elephant movement corridors within the Shivalik Elephant Reserve and Rajaji National Park. Citizens and eco-activists physically blocked chainsaws and hugged trees for nearly a week to protect the green cover.

• Government Action: Taking serious note of public sentiment, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that tree-felling operations will remain suspended until fresh, detailed consultations are conducted with all stakeholders, local residents, and environmental experts to reach a mutual consensus.

While NHAI has cited compensatory afforestation measures and planned wildlife underpasses, activists emphasize that induced traffic demand on widened roads will inevitably erode ecological balance over time.

Watch the full video report above for more details, and stay connected with VYGR News for continuous environmental and regional updates.

 

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