Home / Environment / Uttarakhand Court Halts Tree Felling for Road Project
Uttarakhand Court Halts Tree Felling for Road Project
21 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Nearly 4,400 trees targeted for felling for a four-lane road.
- Court seeks suggestions from state, Centre, and NHAI.
- Elephants' corridor and wildlife movement are at risk.
The Uttarakhand High Court has taken a strict stance on the felling of approximately 4,400 trees for the Rishikesh-Bhaniyawala four-lane road project. The court has mandated a meeting between the state government, the central government, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to devise solutions.
The petitioner highlighted that transplanted trees are not being replanted and underpasses are not being constructed according to regulations. This road construction passes through a critical elephant corridor, raising significant concerns about the adverse impact on wildlife and their movement patterns.
Following the court's intervention, the Shivalik Elephant Reserve has been protected. The division bench has scheduled the next hearing for December 30, awaiting the proposed suggestions to address the environmental concerns.
