The Uttarakhand government suspended tree felling for the Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh road in Dehradun
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Uttarakhand government suspended tree felling for the NHAI-proposed Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh road project following public protests and an FIR regarding the impact on the Shivalik elephant reserve.
Background
The project involves widening a 19-km stretch near Dehradun airport, requiring the removal of 4,369 trees. NHAI deposited Rs 1.97 crore for compensatory afforestation and planned wildlife passages to mitigate ecological damage.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceBhaniyawala-Rishikesh road is located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand.
- BodyNHAI (National Highways Authority of India) is the body responsible for the proposed road widening.
- FactThe project earmarks 4,369 trees for felling as of July 2026.
- EnvironmentThe Shivalik elephant reserve is a key ecological zone in Uttarakhand affected by the project.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the conflict between infrastructure development and biodiversity conservation in ecologically sensitive zones like the Shivalik range. Suggest measures to balance these competing priorities.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological fragmentation: Habitat loss and corridor disruption for elephant populations in the Shivalik range.
- Regulatory oversight: Balancing NHAI's infrastructure mandates with state-level environmental protection protocols.
- Compensatory limitations: The inadequacy of monetary afforestation deposits to replace old-growth forest ecosystems.
Keywords: Ecological sensitivity · Biodiversity conservation · Infrastructure-environment nexus · Compensatory afforestation · Stakeholder consultation
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