Dehradun, Uttarakhand: The Rishikesh Highway Project has been temporarily put on hold after Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered a halt to the felling of thousands of trees following protests by local residents and environmental groups.
The decision came after widespread concerns that large-scale tree cutting for the Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh highway widening project could affect the fragile ecosystem of the Shivalik Elephant Reserve. Protesters argued that the project should move forward only after proper environmental safeguards are ensured.
The Rishikesh Highway Project is estimated to cost ₹743 crore and aims to widen the existing road into four or six lanes. Officials say the project is designed to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and lower the number of accidents involving both vehicles and wildlife.
As part of the project, authorities have also planned a 3.5-km elephant underpass to allow elephants and other wild animals to cross safely without entering the highway. The feature is intended to reduce human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Chief Minister Dhami directed officials to temporarily stop tree felling and hold discussions with all stakeholders, including local communities, environmental experts, and project authorities, before taking any further decision.
The issue has also entered the political arena, with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi stating that he would raise the matter in Parliament. Environmental activists welcomed the Chief Minister’s decision, calling it a victory for public participation and environmental protection.
At the same time, supporters of the project say the highway expansion is necessary to improve connectivity and road safety. The debate continues over how to balance infrastructure development with the protection of forests and wildlife in ecologically sensitive areas.
The state government is expected to review the project after consultations before deciding on the next course of action.