A major environmental controversy has erupted in Uttarakhand over the proposed widening of the Rishikesh–Bhaniyawala National Highway, where 4,369 trees have been marked for felling as part of a road expansion project. The proposal has sparked widespread protests from local residents, environmental activists and social organizations, who argue that the project could cause irreversible ecological damage in one of the state's most sensitive green corridors.
The project, being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), aims to widen the nearly 19-kilometre stretch connecting Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh into a four-lane highway. Officials say the expansion is necessary to accommodate increasing traffic, improve connectivity for pilgrims travelling to the Char Dham region and reduce congestion on one of Uttarakhand's busiest roads.
However, the proposal to remove thousands of mature trees has triggered a strong public response. Protesters say the planned felling threatens biodiversity, wildlife habitats and the ecological balance of the Shivalik foothills. The affected stretch is known for its dense tree cover and serves as an important green belt for the region.
Protesters Revive the Spirit of the Chipko Movement
Demonstrators gathered along the highway and embraced trees in a symbolic act inspired by the historic Chipko Movement, in which villagers protected forests by physically hugging trees to prevent them from being cut down. Students, women, environmental groups and local residents participated in the protests, demanding that the government redesign the project to minimize environmental damage.
Many protesters argued that development and environmental conservation should go hand in hand. They urged authorities to explore alternative engineering solutions that would allow road widening while preserving as many trees as possible.
"Black Harela" Observed in Protest
The movement gained further momentum during Uttarakhand's traditional Harela festival, celebrated as a symbol of environmental conservation. Instead of the usual celebrations, many citizens observed "Black Harela" by wearing black clothes and organizing peaceful demonstrations to oppose the proposed tree felling. Despite rain, large numbers of people continued participating in protest events across the area.
Government Temporarily Halts Tree Cutting
Reports indicate that approximately 400 trees had already been cut before public opposition intensified. In response to the growing protests, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered an immediate halt to further tree felling and directed officials to hold consultations with all stakeholders before proceeding.
The Chief Minister said the government is committed to balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection. He instructed the state's Chief Secretary to engage with local communities, environmental experts and other stakeholders before any final decision is taken.
NHAI's Position
Authorities associated with the project maintain that the highway expansion is essential for improving transportation infrastructure and ensuring smoother traffic movement, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons. They also stated that compensatory afforestation plans have been prepared and funds have been allocated to plant new trees in accordance with environmental regulations.
Environmental Concerns
Environmental experts argue that simply planting new saplings cannot immediately replace thousands of decades-old trees. They warn that large-scale deforestation could affect local temperatures, groundwater recharge, air quality and wildlife movement, particularly because the corridor lies close to important forest areas used by elephants and other species.
They also caution that mature forests provide ecological benefits that take decades to restore, making careful planning essential before any irreversible action is taken.
What Happens Next?
For now, tree felling has been suspended while the Uttarakhand government reviews the project. Discussions with residents, environmental experts and other stakeholders are expected to determine whether the highway expansion can be redesigned to reduce its environmental impact without compromising public infrastructure needs.