Uttarakhand CM Dhami Pauses Tree-Felling Work At Dehradun’s Saat Mod
Dhami halts Dehradun tree-felling project after environmental concerns.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday announced the suspension of tree-felling activities at the ‘Saat Mod’ forest stretch in Dehradun for the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh highway-widening project. The decision came after growing protests from local residents and environmental groups over the proposed removal of thousands of trees for infrastructure development.
The Chief Minister said no further tree-cutting work would take place until a consensus is reached among all stakeholders. He directed officials to hold discussions with local communities, environmental experts, public representatives, and other concerned groups while considering public sentiment, ecological concerns, and development requirements.
The move followed days of demonstrations against the planned felling of more than 4,000 trees along the highway expansion route. Protesters also observed a ‘Black Harela’ during Uttarakhand’s annual Harela festival, which traditionally celebrates nature and tree conservation, to highlight their concerns over the environmental impact of the project.
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CM Dhami said he had taken note of the concerns raised by citizens and environmental activists regarding the Dehradun–Rishikesh four/six-lane highway project. He clarified that the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh expansion project, being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), was proceeding under court directions and after obtaining required statutory and environmental approvals.
The Chief Minister also highlighted measures included in the project for wildlife protection, including a proposed 3.5-kilometre elephant underpass and special structures to support the movement of smaller animals. The NHAI has stated that the project incorporates expert-recommended mitigation measures, particularly due to the presence of elephant corridors in the region. The approximately 20-kilometre project is being developed under the Hybrid Annuity Mode at an estimated cost of Rs 743 crore.
Dhami reiterated that development and environmental protection must move together, stating that public concerns would not be overlooked. He said the government would proceed only through dialogue, consensus, and consideration of wider public interest, while ensuring compliance with the directions and decisions of the High Court.
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