The Uttarakhand government has temporarily halted the planned felling of trees for the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh highway-widening project. The decision came after public protests, and an FIR was filed against several people involved in the demonstrations.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to widen the 19-km road stretch near Dehradun airport. The project had identified 4,369 trees for removal.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the government has taken serious note of public concerns. He directed the Chief Secretary and other officials to hold detailed discussions with residents, public representatives, environmental experts, and other stakeholders before any tree felling resumes.
The government said the project will move forward only after proper consultations and a careful review of all concerns.
NHAI stated that it has already deposited over ₹1.97 crore for compensatory afforestation and the maintenance of new plantations for the next ten years. The authority also said that the Uttarakhand government has transferred 40 hectares of non-forest land to the Forest Department for developing new forests as part of the compensation plan.
The suspension offers temporary relief to environmental groups and local residents who had raised concerns about the large-scale loss of trees.