Dehradun Residents Stage Protest Against Proposed Tree Felling for Road Widening
Nearly 300 residents and environmental activists marched along New Cantt Road in Dehradun on Sunday, voicing strong opposition to the proposed felling of trees for a road-widening project. The protest comes amid reports that the stretch may be converted into a four-lane road, raising fears about the city's green cover.
Contradiction of Government Assurances
Protesters highlighted that while the current plan involves cutting 17 trees, many more could be affected after land acquisition is completed. This fresh proposal appears to contradict earlier assurances from the government. On June 23, 2024, thousands of residents held a similar march against a proposal to cut approximately 250 trees for the same project. At that time, banners had appeared across the city stating that no trees would be cut, and the chief minister had publicly assured citizens that the plan would be shelved to protect Dehradun's environmental heritage.
Himanshu Arora of Citizens for Green Doon expressed concern about the broken promise. "Once land acquisition is complete, many more trees may be cut. We need to protect our jal, jungle, jameen and remind the government of its commitment. This is about the future of our children," he stated emphatically.
Ecological Concerns and Historical Context
Participants in the protest, including senior citizens and children, criticized what they described as a development model that consistently overlooks ecological priorities. Prakash Nangia, an 87-year-old resident who joined the march on his bicycle, lamented the changing character of the city.
Environmental activist Dr. Ravi Chopra provided alarming statistics about deforestation in the region. "India lost 1.73 lakh hectares of green cover between 2019 and 2024. During the same period, more than 23,000 trees were felled in Dehradun alone for infrastructure projects, with another 63,000 projected to be affected for upcoming projects including airport expansion and the Jhajhra-Mussoorie route. These are official figures—the actual number may be significantly higher," he revealed.
Government Accountability and Future Actions
Activists also criticized the government for taking credit for Uttarakhand being the land of renowned environmental activists Gaura Devi and Sunderlal Bahuguna while simultaneously allowing widespread tree felling to continue. Social activist Anoop Nautiyal pointed out that Uttarakhand has recorded significant forest loss since its formation and urged elected representatives to raise ecological concerns in the upcoming assembly session at Garsain, especially with state elections due next year.
Protesters warned that they would continue to monitor the project closely if the government does not withdraw it. They alleged that even partial widening and drain work could weaken tree roots, eventually leading to further felling through indirect means.
Official Response and Project Details
Public Works Department officials responded that after the 2024 protests, the project was substantially revised. The current detailed project report provides for only partial widening and seeks to minimize tree damage, with just 17 trees currently identified for removal. The 14-month project is expected to be completed by April of next year, according to official statements.
The protest represents a growing tension between infrastructure development and environmental preservation in Uttarakhand, with residents determined to hold authorities accountable for previous commitments to protect Dehradun's natural landscape.
