Protests Erupt in Rishikesh Over Proposed Felling of Thousands of Trees for Highway Project
Residents, environmental groups, and activists have staged protests against the proposed felling of thousands of trees for the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh highway widening project, prompting the Uttarakhand government to temporarily halt the exercise pending stakeholder consultations.
RISHIKESH: Large numbers of residents, environmental activists, students, and members of civil society have been protesting against the proposed felling of thousands of trees for the widening of the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh highway in Uttarakhand.
The protests, which continued for several days, were organised over concerns that the project would result in the loss of a significant number of mature trees in the ecologically sensitive Shivalik region. Demonstrators argued that the green cover plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity, groundwater recharge, and the local microclimate.
Many protesters adopted peaceful methods reminiscent of the historic Chipko movement by hugging trees and urging authorities to reconsider the project. Environmental groups also raised concerns about the impact of tree felling on nearby wildlife habitats, including elephant corridors.
The road expansion project is intended to improve connectivity between Bhaniyawala, Jolly Grant, and Rishikesh. Government agencies have maintained that the project is important for easing traffic congestion and improving transport infrastructure. However, protesters have called for alternative engineering solutions that would minimise environmental damage.
Responding to the growing public opposition, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed that the tree-felling exercise be suspended with immediate effect. He also instructed the Chief Secretary to hold consultations with all stakeholders before any further decision is taken regarding the project.
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The temporary suspension has been welcomed by environmental groups, although protest organisers have stated that they will continue to monitor developments until a final decision is reached. The episode has reignited the broader debate over balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation in ecologically sensitive regions.
