Villagers tie ‘Raksha Sutras’ to Deodar trees in Harsil, protest proposed 6000 trees felling for road widening

Uttarkashi: In Harsil, a small Himalayan village nestled in the Uttarakhand's Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone (ESZ), local residents gathered under towering Deodar trees. With devotion and determination, they tied raksha sutras—threads symbolising protection—around the trunks of these centuries-old giants. The ritual was accompanied by Garhwali folk songs and prayers, transforming the forest into a sacred space of resistance.

The act was not just symbolic. It was a heartfelt plea to save nearly 6,000 Deodar trees marked for felling along the 20.6-km Char Dham route between Bhaironghati and Jhala in Uttarkashi district. For villagers, activists, and leaders, the trees are more than timber—they are guardians of the Himalayas, protectors of rivers, and living heritage.

Road widening and forest loss

The Uttarakhand government has approved widening of the Char Dham route, citing strategic importance for national security. According to official documents, the project will divert 41.92 hectares of forest land, including thousands of Deodar trees. A letter from the Head of Forest Forces (HOFF) stated that the road widening qualifies as a "strategic linear project” under the amended Forest (Conservation and Augmentation) Act, 1980.

This exemption allows projects within 100 km of international borders to bypass forest clearance, provided they are declared strategic by the Ministry of Defence or Home Affairs. Officials argue that the road is vital for troop movement and border security.

Faith meets ecology

Yet, for the people of Harsil and surrounding villages, the Himalayas themselves are the ultimate security. "If the Himalayas are not safe, then no development is safe,” said veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, who joined the protest virtually. He reminded participants that the Himalayas are India’s identity, and protecting them is a cultural and spiritual duty.

The gathering was infused with faith. Villagers performed pooja for the Deodar trees, treating them as sacred beings. Environmentalist Mallika Bhanot of Ganga Ahvaan explained, "Tying Raksha Sutra to the Deodar trees is symbolic of the resolve by citizens for the protection and conservation of our culture, and the ecology of this fragile area.”

Voices of protest

Environmental groups have announced marches and yatras from Delhi and Rishikesh to Uttarkashi, Bhaironghati, and Harsil. These gatherings aim to raise awareness about the ecological risks of large-scale tree felling in the Bhagirathi ESZ.

The protests are not against development, villagers insist, but against unsustainable choices. "We want the country to be secure, and for that, the Himalayas must be secure,” Joshi emphasised. His words resonated with the crowd, who see the Deodars as part of a larger web of life—connecting rivers, agriculture, and livelihoods.

Ecological concerns

Deodar trees, known as Cedrus deodara, are native to the Himalayas and revered in Indian culture. They stabilise slopes, prevent soil erosion, and regulate water flow into the Bhagirathi river, a tributary of the Ganga. Cutting thousands of them could destabilise fragile mountain ecosystems, increase landslide risks, and affect local biodiversity.

The Bhagirathi ESZ was declared sensitive precisely to protect such ecosystems. Activists argue that approving large-scale deforestation undermines the very purpose of the zone. They warn that unchecked road expansion could trigger disasters similar to those witnessed in Joshimath, where land subsidence displaced hundreds of families.

Balancing security and sustainability

Officials maintain that the Char Dham route is essential for national defence. However, critics urge a middle path—exploring alternatives like tunnel construction, slope stabilisation, and eco-friendly engineering. Such measures could reduce tree felling while ensuring road safety and strategic connectivity.

The debate highlights a larger dilemma: how to balance development with ecological preservation in the Himalayas. For villagers, the answer lies in respecting nature’s limits. "The Himalayas are the greatest symbol of our country. If they are healthy, we are healthy,” Joshi said.

Cultural resistance

The Raksha Sutra ritual reflects a unique blend of culture and activism. By tying protective threads, villagers invoked traditions usually reserved for human relationships, extending them to trees. This act of cultural resistance has drawn national attention, reminding policymakers that development decisions must honour both ecological science and spiritual heritage.