Uttarakhand HC pulls up authorities over tree felling for Rishikesh-Bhaniyawala four-lane project

Nainital: The Uttarakhand High Court on Friday took a tough stand on the large-scale cutting of trees for the four-lane road project being executed by the National Highways Authority of India at Bhaniyawala near Rishikesh.

During the hearing, the petitioner told the court that despite earlier directions, the authorities have neither carried out the transplantation of trees nor constructed wildlife underpasses in line with the prescribed norms. The road project reportedly involves the removal of nearly 4,400 trees falling within the project alignment.

After considering the submissions, a division bench comprising Chief Justice G Narender and Justice Subhash Upadhyay directed the state government, the Centre and the NHAI to convene a joint meeting to address the concerns and submit their proposals to the court. The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 30.

The case stems from a public interest litigation filed by Dehradun resident Reenu Pal, who pointed out that over 3,000 trees are marked for felling for the widening of the Rishikesh-Bhaniyawala stretch, which passes through an identified elephant corridor. She warned that the project could severely disrupt the movement and habitat of elephants and other wildlife.

Earlier, following the High Court’s intervention, the Shivalik Elephant Reserve had been safeguarded from similar threats.

(with inputs from agencies)