Dehradun – The controversy surrounding the widening of the Rishikesh-Bhaniyawala road is intensifying. The ₹600 crore, 21-km-long four-lane project plans to cut down approximately 3,300 trees, triggering strong opposition from environmentalists, Padma Shri awardee folk singer, and local women. Protesters hugged trees to pledge their protection, dubbing the movement ‘Chipko Andolan 2.0.’
Growing Public Movement for Environmental Conservation
On Sunday, hundreds of people from various organizations gathered at Saat Modh to protest. Demonstrators tied sacred threads around trees, opposed deforestation, and launched a signature campaign. Environmentalists warn that rapid ecological imbalance in Dehradun—rising temperatures, depleting groundwater levels, and deteriorating air quality—poses a serious health threat.
Key Demands of Protesters
Protesters demanded an immediate halt to tree cutting for the Rishikesh-Jolly Grant highway project. They also called for a complete ban on commercial exploitation of forests in Dehradun’s eco-sensitive zones. Other demands included:
- Prioritizing sustainable development in all future projects
- Protection and revival of traditional canals in Dehradun
- Restoration of polluted rivers like Rispana, Bindal, and Song
- Reserving at least 25% of land in residential and commercial projects for green spaces
- Strengthening the Forest Act to prevent wildfires
