The National Highways Authority of India has started cutting over 3,600 trees for a 20-kilometer highway expansion near Dehradun. While the authority cites improved traffic safety and rising tourism demand for the project, environmentalists are challenging the move in court over concerns regarding local ecology and wildlife corridors.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced tree felling operations in the 'Saat Mod' area of Dehradun, marking a critical stage in the Bhaniawala-Jolly Grant-Rishikesh highway expansion. The project, valued at approximately ₹743 crore, aims to convert the existing two-lane stretch of National Highway 7 into a four- or six-lane road across a 20-kilometer distance. According to official plans, the project requires the removal of 3,605 trees, with an additional 754 trees marked for transplantation.
Traffic Demand and Project Rationale
The NHAI has justified the expansion by pointing to the heavy traffic load on the current two-lane road, which handles roughly 18,500 vehicles daily. Officials state that the combination of sharp turns and forest terrain has led to frequent traffic jams and safety hazards. With tourism volumes, including the Char Dham Yatra, placing further strain on local infrastructure, the authority argues that wider lanes are necessary to improve travel efficiency and reduce accident risks. To mitigate wildlife impact, the design includes provisions for elephant underpasses and culverts.
Legal Challenges and Environmental Resistance
The project faces significant opposition from local activists who have raised concerns about the impact on regional biodiversity and the disruption of a known elephant corridor. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was previously filed by activist Reenu Paul, who challenged the project’s environmental clearance. While legal proceedings are ongoing, the NHAI has proceeded with the work, maintaining that it is legally permitted to do so after an interim stay on tree felling lapsed. Further legal petitions, including a contempt of court application, are currently awaiting attention.
Risks and Past Execution Concerns
For investors and observers tracking infrastructure execution, this project highlights the recurring tension between development and environmental compliance. Local resistance is not just centered on immediate destruction; it also draws from past experiences in the region. Critics have specifically pointed to the 2022 widening of Sahasradhara Road, where a large number of transplanted trees failed to survive, leading to criticism regarding the effectiveness of such mitigation efforts.
Historically, forest land diversion has been a significant aspect of infrastructure development in Uttarakhand, with over 46,000 hectares of forest land repurposed for various projects over the last 25 years. The ability of the NHAI to successfully execute the current project while managing these environmental sensitivities remains a key monitorable. Stakeholders are now looking toward upcoming court hearings and potential future directives from the judiciary that could impact project timelines, potential cost overruns, or additional environmental compliance requirements.