DEHRADUN, July 24:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered an immediate halt to the felling of trees for the proposed Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh road widening project following nearly a week of sustained public protests.
The controversy began on July 12 when authorities started cutting trees for the expansion of the 20-kilometre road connecting Dehradun and Rishikesh. The project requires the removal of around 4,369 trees, many located in a forest area that forms part of an important elephant corridor near Rajaji National Park.
The move sparked widespread opposition from environmentalists, students, local residents, and social organisations. Protesters staged Chipko-style demonstrations by hugging trees, organising peaceful sit-ins, and demanding that the government reconsider the project in view of its environmental impact. Around 400 trees were reportedly felled before the work was stopped.
On July 18, Chief Minister Dhami directed officials to suspend all tree-felling activities and instructed the Chief Secretary to hold consultations with environmental experts, local communities, and other stakeholders before taking any further decision. He stated that development, environmental conservation, and public sentiment must be given equal importance.
Meanwhile, the project's statutory clearances remain in place, while the state government's order suspending tree felling will continue until the consultation process is completed.
The protests have drawn national attention, with many comparing them to the historic Chipko Movement, highlighting the continuing debate over balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection.