HC asks NHAI where 3,300 trees uprooted for road expansion will be
relocated (Dehradun)
Times of India
March 29, 2025
Uttarakhand high court has asked the National Highways Authority of India
(NHAI) to file a detailed report on how it plans to replant 3,300 trees
being uprooted for a road widening project and what measures are being
taken to safeguard wildlife, especially elephant corridors, during the
construction of a fourlane road between Bhaniyawala and Rishikesh. A
division bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Mahra also
ordered that the elephant corridor must not be harmed at any stage of the
project.
Hearing a petition opposing the felling of trees for the widening of the
road on Friday, the court directed that the chief wildlife warden of
Uttarakhand, Forest Research Institute (FRI), and NHAI's project manager
must hold a joint meeting to ensure the elephant corridor remains protected
throughout the construction process.
The court continued the stay on tree felling in the corridor area,
reiterating that no construction must interfere with elephant movement. It
cited a Supreme Court order which prohibits any construction inside
elephant corridors.
During the hearing, the court was informed that the road widening is taking
place in the middle of the corridor and that the Shivalik Elephant Reserve
was preserved only because of judicial intervention. While the govt said
elephant movement is being ensured, the petitioner claimed that a 9.5km
road is being built in the Teenpani and Kansro-Barkot corridors, which
violates Supreme Court guidelines.
NHAI officials told the court that significant steps had already been taken
for wildlife protection. Chief wildlife warden Ranjan Mishra and
Uttarakhand NHAI chief Pankaj Singh said a large bridge and four
underpasses were constructed to allow safe passage for elephants. The court
directed them to submit a report of their joint meeting.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/hc-asks-nhai-where-3300-trees-uprooted-for-road-expansion-will-be-relocated/articleshow/119707266.cms
HC asks NHAI where 3,300 trees uprooted for road expansion will be
relocated (Dehradun)
Times of India
March 29, 2025
Uttarakhand high court has asked the National Highways Authority of India
(NHAI) to file a detailed report on how it plans to replant 3,300 trees
being uprooted for a road widening project and what measures are being
taken to safeguard wildlife, especially elephant corridors, during the
construction of a fourlane road between Bhaniyawala and Rishikesh. A
division bench of Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Mahra also
ordered that the elephant corridor must not be harmed at any stage of the
project.
Hearing a petition opposing the felling of trees for the widening of the
road on Friday, the court directed that the chief wildlife warden of
Uttarakhand, Forest Research Institute (FRI), and NHAI's project manager
must hold a joint meeting to ensure the elephant corridor remains protected
throughout the construction process.
The court continued the stay on tree felling in the corridor area,
reiterating that no construction must interfere with elephant movement. It
cited a Supreme Court order which prohibits any construction inside
elephant corridors.
During the hearing, the court was informed that the road widening is taking
place in the middle of the corridor and that the Shivalik Elephant Reserve
was preserved only because of judicial intervention. While the govt said
elephant movement is being ensured, the petitioner claimed that a 9.5km
road is being built in the Teenpani and Kansro-Barkot corridors, which
violates Supreme Court guidelines.
NHAI officials told the court that significant steps had already been taken
for wildlife protection. Chief wildlife warden Ranjan Mishra and
Uttarakhand NHAI chief Pankaj Singh said a large bridge and four
underpasses were constructed to allow safe passage for elephants. The court
directed them to submit a report of their joint meeting.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/hc-asks-nhai-where-3300-trees-uprooted-for-road-expansion-will-be-relocated/articleshow/119707266.cms
