Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Uttarakhand Halts Tree Felling for Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh Road Project
The Uttarakhand government has stopped cutting down trees for a new road project near Dehradun because many people are worried about the environment.
The project involves widening a road and cutting down over 4,000 trees, which could harm the Shivalik Elephant Reserve.
People protested, and the government decided to pause the tree cutting until they talk to everyone involved.
The government says the project is important for better roads, but they want to make sure it doesn't hurt the environment.
They are also taking steps to protect animals, like building special passages for elephants.
The government and NHAI say they have all the necessary permissions, but they want to make sure everyone is happy with the plan before they continue.
The Uttarakhand government has suspended tree felling for the Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh road project due to protests and environmental concerns.
The project involves widening a 19-km stretch of road near Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and felling 4,369 trees.
Protesters argue that the project will harm the Shivalik Elephant Reserve and disrupt elephant movement corridors.
The government and NHAI claim the project has necessary approvals and includes measures to minimize wildlife impact, such as elevated wildlife passages and compensatory afforestation.
Fresh consultations will be held with residents, public representatives, experts, and other stakeholders before any further action is taken.
- Who
- Uttarakhand government, NHAI, local residents, environmentalists
- What
- Suspension of tree felling for the Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh road project due to protests and environmental concerns
- When
- Tree felling suspended on July 18, 2024
- Where
- Dehradun, Uttarakhand, near Jolly Grant Airport
- Why
- To address concerns over environmental impact and public sentiment, and to reach a consensus among stakeholders
Protesters and Environmentalists
Government and NHAI
Tree Felling and Environmental Impact
Protesters and Environmentalists
Protesters argue that felling 4,369 trees will harm the Shivalik Elephant Reserve and disrupt elephant movement corridors, leading to environmental degradation.
Government and NHAI
The government and NHAI claim the project has necessary approvals and includes measures to minimize wildlife impact, such as elevated wildlife passages and compensatory afforestation.
Development vs. Conservation
Protesters and Environmentalists
Protesters prioritize environmental conservation and public sentiment, advocating for alternative solutions that do not involve large-scale tree felling.
Government and NHAI
The government and NHAI emphasize the importance of infrastructure development for connectivity and economic growth, asserting that the project complies with legal and environmental standards.
- Project Scope
- Widening a 19-km stretch of road near Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport
- Trees Identified for Felling
- 4,369 trees
- Wildlife Protection Measures
- Elevated wildlife passages, box culverts, pipe culverts, green guide hedges, sound barriers, wildlife warning signs, speed-calming measures, and no-horn zones
- Compensatory Afforestation
- Rs 1.97 crore deposited for compensatory afforestation and maintenance for 10 years, 40 hectares of non-forest land transferred for new forests
- Legal Status
- Project has received necessary approvals; contempt petition dismissed by Uttarakhand High Court
- Stakeholder Consultations
- Fresh consultations to be held with residents, public representatives, experts, and other stakeholders
- FIR Registered
- FIR against unidentified individuals for disrupting work and using criminal force