Harela Festival Marred by Tree Felling Protests

The Harela festival in Uttarakhand is a time to celebrate new life and good health.

This year, though, it was marked by protests.

Young people and conservationists were upset because the government plans to cut down 4,000 trees to widen a highway.

They say this will hurt the environment, especially areas like the Shivalik Elephant Reserve.

They also point out that the government is planting new trees but that doesn't make up for the loss of old, mature ones.

The protesters want the government to think about the long-term effects on the environment.