Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that the proposed cutting of around 3,000 trees for the Rishikesh-Bhaniyawala four-lane highway has been put on hold. He said the work will remain suspended until all stakeholders arrive at a common understanding.
In a post on social media, Dhami said development is important, but it cannot come at the cost of people's concerns, environmental protection or the interests of local residents.
Dhami said he has directed the principal secretary and other officials concerned to begin a fresh round of discussions with experts, local residents, public representatives and other stakeholders. He said no trees would be felled until trust is restored and a broad consensus is reached among everyone involved.
The chief minister said his government gives equal importance to environmental conservation, public opinion and the state's development. He added that future decisions will be based on dialogue and the larger public interest.
The project involves widening nearly 20 kilometres of the Rishikesh-Bhaniyawala road. The stretch passes through a sensitive elephant corridor inside Rajaji National Park, and the plan requires the cutting of around 3,000 trees.
For the past several days, environmentalists, local residents, students and activists have been protesting in the Saat Mod area against the tree felling. The work had been continuing under police security despite the demonstrations.
Dhami said he has carefully considered the concerns and suggestions raised by citizens, environmental groups and local people over the past few days. He also said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is carrying out the project in line with the High Court's directions and after obtaining all the required legal and environmental approvals.
According to the chief minister, the project includes a nearly 3.5-kilometre underpass and specially designed culverts to allow wildlife to move safely. These measures are expected to reduce both human-animal conflict and accidents involving wild animals.
Dhami once again said that tree felling will remain suspended until all stakeholders reach a satisfactory agreement. He added that officials have been asked to restart consultations with everyone concerned. Any further decision on the project will be taken in accordance with the High Court's directions.
Also read: Protests grow over tree felling for Rishikesh highway project
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