Uttarakhand High Court Demands Answers on Massive Tree Felling for Road Project
In a significant environmental intervention, the Uttarakhand High Court has issued directives to multiple authorities regarding the proposed felling of nearly 7,000 trees for a road construction project. The court's action comes in response to a public interest litigation that highlights severe ecological threats.
Court Directs Authorities to File Responses
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Subhash Upadhyay has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board, the state forest department, the Uttarakhand government, and the Central government to submit their responses. These responses must address allegations related to the construction of a road between Asharodi and Jhajhra under the Gatiman Green Project in the Yamuna and Doon Valleys.
Environmental Concerns Raised in PIL
The public interest litigation, filed by Dehradun-based social worker Renu Pal, raises alarming concerns over the environmental impact of large-scale tree-felling. Key issues highlighted include:
- Threats to wildlife, particularly elephants that use the affected forests as a buffer zone.
- Potential harm to over 300 bird species inhabiting the area.
- Risks to natural water sources and the ecological balance of the region.
- Allegations that no permission was obtained from the Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board for the project.
Additionally, the petition notes that the nearby Asan Barrage supports a diverse range of migratory bird species, further emphasizing the area's ecological significance.
Hearing Scheduled in Three Weeks
The matter has been listed for a hearing in three weeks, indicating the court's urgency in addressing these environmental allegations. This timeline allows the involved authorities to prepare and present their stances on the controversial project.
The Gatiman Green Project, aimed at road development, now faces scrutiny for its potential to cause irreversible damage to Uttarakhand's fragile ecosystems. The court's intervention underscores the growing legal and public focus on balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation.
