Opposition to the felling of thousands of trees for the Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh highway expansion is gaining momentum in Uttarakhand. Residents and environmentalists have raised concerns over the impact of the project on forests, wildlife and the region's fragile ecosystem.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to widen the highway to ease traffic on the busy pilgrim route. However, the project requires the cutting of allegedly more than 4,300 trees, many of them in the ecologically sensitive Shivalik region.
Environmental activists say the large-scale tree felling could damage wildlife corridors, affect elephant habitats and reduce forest cover. They argue that the environmental cost of the project is too high and have urged authorities to explore more sustainable alternatives.
Several protests have been held in recent days, including tree-hugging demonstrations and the observance of 'Black Harela', where participants appealed for stronger protection of Uttarakhand's forests. Activists have also called for fresh protests on July 19.
The issue has reached the Supreme Court, where the matter is under consideration. Protesters say they hope the court will help ensure a balance between development and environmental conservation.
The protests have also received political support. Congress workers joined demonstrations at the project site and confronted workers carrying out the tree-cutting operation, while police remained deployed in the area to maintain law and order.
Following intervention by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami suspended the tree-felling exercise and directed officials to hold discussions with all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, a video of social worker and environmental activist Shama Parveen breaking down during a protest has gone viral on social media. Holding a placard that read, "Cutting Jungle: Today's Greed, Tomorrow's Need," she appealed for the protection of forests, warning that unchecked tree felling could threaten biodiversity, water resources and the future of coming generations. The video has further intensified the debate over balancing development with conservation.
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