At a time when the state traditionally conducts tree plantation campaigns during the festival, environmentalists have launched protests against the ongoing cutting of trees along the stretch near Saat Mod. Fallen trees are scattered across the area while workers continue removing more trees to clear the path for the highway project.
Environmental activists have raised concerns over the ecological impact of the large-scale tree removal, stating that the region is already environmentally sensitive. They claim that the loss of green cover could negatively affect local wildlife diversity and disturb the microclimate of the area.
On Thursday, dozens of protesters dressed in black marked the occasion as “Black Harela” to oppose the destruction of forest cover. Addressing the protest, an environmental activist questioned the decision to remove thousands of trees, saying, “Does the government want to turn this place into a desert or a concrete jungle? Even the person operating the saw rests in the shade of these very trees when tired.”
The protesters alleged that tree felling is being carried out without an adequate ecological assessment. They stated that every development project includes an Environmental Assessment Plan to compensate for environmental damage caused during construction and demanded strict implementation of such measures.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which is executing the Bhaniyawala-Jollygrant-Rishikesh Four/Six Lane Project, has maintained that the work is being carried out in accordance with mitigation measures recommended by experts, particularly considering the presence of elephant corridors along the route.
The approximately 20-kilometre-long highway project is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 743 crore under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM). The project aims to improve connectivity between Dehradun, Jollygrant Airport, and Rishikesh while supporting tourism, the Char Dham Yatra, and the growing transportation requirements of Uttarakhand.
Authorities have stated that several engineering modifications have been incorporated into the project design to minimise environmental damage. While the standard Right of Way (ROW) for a national highway is 60 metres, it has been reduced to 23 metres in forest areas. Officials said this reduction will significantly limit tree cutting while maintaining highway safety standards.
Based on a scientific assessment conducted by the Forest Research Institute (FRI), 754 trees have been identified as suitable for transplantation. These trees will be relocated during the monsoon season.
According to Forest Department records, 29 wildlife deaths due to road accidents were reported during the last five years on the existing two-lane road under the Rishikesh and Barkot forest ranges.
To ensure safer wildlife movement, special elephant underpasses, including an approximately 3.5-kilometre-long elevated structure, are being developed as part of the proposed highway. Officials stated that these measures will improve elephant movement and help reduce wildlife accidents on the busy route.
The controversy surrounding the Harela festival highlights the growing debate between infrastructure development and environmental protection in Uttarakhand. While authorities emphasise the need for improved connectivity and protective measures, environmental groups continue to demand stronger ecological safeguards during development projects involving forest areas.
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