Rishikesh, March 15, 2025
A large number of people gathered near Saat Mod to protest against the government’s decision to cut down more than 3,000 trees for the road widening project between Rishikesh and Bhaniyawala.
The Indian government has approved a budget of ₹750 crore for converting the 21-km road from Bhaniyawala to Rishikesh into a four-lane highway. After obtaining approval for forest land transfer, the Forest Department issued an order for the felling of 3,357 trees, including Sal, Kanju, Rohini, and Haldu. The project is expected to be completed within two years. The matter has reached the Uttarakhand High Court, which has imposed a stay on tree felling.
On Sunday, during the protest at Saat Mod, environmental activists tied sacred threads (Rakshasutra) around the trees to express their commitment to protecting the environment. Protesters also formed a human chain to oppose the government’s decision to cut down trees.
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