Highway Project – Uttarakhand Government Pauses Tree Felling for Dehradun-Rishikesh Road Expansion

Highway Project – the Uttarakhand government has temporarily stopped tree felling for the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh highway expansion project after growing concerns from local residents and environmental groups. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Saturday that no further action involving the removal of trees at the Saat Mod forest stretch in Dehradun will take place until discussions with all stakeholders lead to a mutually acceptable solution.

Government Puts Public Consultation First

Addressing the issue through a statement on social media, the Chief Minister said the administration had carefully considered the concerns raised over the past several days by citizens, environmental activists, and local communities. He emphasized that development projects should move forward only after balancing environmental protection, public opinion, and regional interests.

According to the Chief Minister, senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, have been instructed to hold fresh consultations with local residents, public representatives, experts, and other stakeholders. He stressed that future decisions would be based on dialogue, consensus, and the broader public interest rather than proceeding without addressing people’s concerns.

Protest Over Large-Scale Tree Removal

The decision comes after widespread opposition to the proposed cutting of more than 4,000 trees required for the road expansion project. Environmental organizations and residents have been staging demonstrations, arguing that the large-scale removal of trees could significantly affect the region’s ecological balance.

The protest gained further attention during Uttarakhand’s annual Harela festival, a traditional celebration dedicated to trees and nature. Instead of participating in the festivities, many environmental campaigners observed the occasion as “Black Harela” to express their opposition to the ongoing project and highlight the importance of preserving the state’s forests.

Highway Project Remains a Key Infrastructure Plan

The Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh road expansion is a major infrastructure initiative being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Officials have stated that the project has received all required statutory and environmental approvals and is being carried out in accordance with directions issued by the Uttarakhand High Court.

The approximately 20-kilometre highway project is being developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) with an estimated investment of Rs 743 crore. Authorities believe the upgraded road will improve traffic movement, enhance regional connectivity, and support economic growth in the area.

Wildlife Protection Measures Included

The Chief Minister also highlighted that the project incorporates several measures aimed at protecting wildlife. These include a nearly 3.5-kilometre elephant underpass along with specially designed culverts to allow the safe movement of smaller animals across the highway corridor.

Officials believe these provisions will reduce incidents of human-wildlife conflict while also lowering the number of road accidents involving wild animals, a challenge that has been reported on this route in recent years.

NHAI has maintained that the project is being executed following recommendations from environmental experts, particularly considering the presence of elephant corridors in the region. The authority has stated that mitigation measures have been integrated into the construction plan to minimize ecological impact.

Tree Felling to Stay Suspended

Reaffirming the government’s position, Chief Minister Dhami said that no tree felling related to the project would resume until an atmosphere of confidence and agreement is achieved among all concerned parties. He added that every future step would also respect the directions and decisions of the High Court.

The Chief Minister concluded by stating that Uttarakhand’s natural environment, the aspirations of its people, and the state’s development are equally important priorities. He said the government remains committed to finding a balanced path that supports infrastructure growth while safeguarding ecological interests through constructive dialogue.