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Dehradun: A major road widening project in Uttarkashi district has sparked both approval and anger. The government has permitted the cutting and relocation of thousands of trees in the eco-sensitive Bhagirathi zone to widen the road from Uttarkashi to Gangotri.
Officials call the project strategically important, but environmentalists see it as a serious threat to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Thousands of trees to be removed
The proposal to widen the Gangotri road has been pending for years. Now, it has finally received approval at different levels. As part of the project, 6,822 trees will be removed or relocated. Of these, 4,366 trees will be translocated, while 2,456 trees will be completely cut down.
The Forest Department has approved Rs 324.44 lakh for replanting the translocated trees. The cost of felling the remaining trees will also be reimbursed to the department. Officials argue that this step is necessary to make way for the road expansion, which will improve connectivity to Gangotri.
Approval from forest officials
The then Chief Conservator of Forests, Sameer Sinha, approved the proposal and sent it to the Nodal Officer for Forest Conservation. PCCF (Land Transfer) SP Subudhi also described the project as extremely important and confirmed its approval.
Strategic importance of the project
Uttarkashi district lies close to the international border. Strong and wide roads are considered crucial for security, military movement, disaster management, and pilgrimage routes. The government argues that widening the road to Gangotri will strengthen emergency services, improve tourism, and support the Char Dham Yatra.
Approval has been granted for non-forest work on National Highway No. 34 from Bhairoghati to Jhala, covering 20.6 kilometers and 41,924 hectares. As compensation, afforestation will be carried out on 76,924 hectares of land. Ground work may take up to a year to begin.
Eco-Sensitive Zone rules
The entire road falls within the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ), where construction and tree cutting are generally prohibited. However, the government has completed all formalities, from the Eco-Sensitive Zone Committee to the central level, and given the green light.
Eco-sensitive zones are areas around national parks, sanctuaries, or protected forests where harmful activities are restricted. In Uttarkashi, the BESZ covers 4,179 square kilometers from Gomukh to Uttarkashi. It was declared in 2012 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, to safeguard forests, rivers, and wildlife.
Amendments and road projects
In 2018, the BESZ notification was amended to allow limited development activities. Hill cutting and construction on steep slopes were permitted in exceptional cases. One of the main reasons for the amendment was the Char Dham All-Weather Road project, which required land use changes.
Later, in 2020, the Union Environment Ministry approved a regional master plan for infrastructure development in the 135-kilometer stretch from Gomukh to Uttarkashi. The matter reached the Supreme Court, which eventually approved the project.
Environmentalists raise concerns
The decision to cut thousands of trees has sparked protests from environmentalists and social organizations. The issue was even raised in the Rajya Sabha by a Chhattisgarh MP, who questioned the central government’s commitment to environmental protection.
Environmentalists argue that the fragile Himalayan ecosystem cannot bear the loss of thousands of trees. They warn that deforestation will increase landslides, soil erosion, and water scarcity, especially in disaster-prone areas like Dharali, which recently faced severe damage.
Villages in the Eco-Sensitive zone
The eco-sensitive zone includes 89 villages, such as Gangotri, Gwana, Jadung, Maneri, Agora, Bhatwadi, Dharali, Mukhba, Nalang, Pala Maneri, Sari, Joshiada, Kuroli, Sukhkhi, Uttarkashi, and Harshil. Residents of these villages depend on forests and rivers for their livelihood. Cutting trees could affect their daily lives and increase risks of disasters.
Balancing development and environment
The big question now is how to balance development with environmental protection. While the road widening is seen as essential for security, tourism, and pilgrimage, the felling of thousands of trees poses a serious environmental threat.
Mallika Bhanot, a member of the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee, explained that earlier hydropower projects in the region were canceled due to opposition. She said, “The eco-sensitive zone was declared to protect the Bhagirathi and Ganga rivers. But amendments have allowed development projects, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.”
