Why was there an uproar over cutting of trees in Rishikesh? Government stopped work after 11 days of protest, know the biggest updates till now

Protests have been intensifying for the last 11 days against the proposed cutting of thousands of trees in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. Environmentalists, local people and social organizations have come out on the streets against the preparations to cut a large number of trees for the Dehradun-Rishikesh four/six lane highway project.

The matter became a topic of discussion at the national level after several videos of tree cutting and protests went viral on social media. In the viral video, it can be seen how trees are being cut and there is an uproar to stop it. Along with this, a video of a woman is going viral very fast who is saying that her soul is dead, why is she stabbing her mother. Let us know what reaction the government has given amid the growing uproar.

In the viral video, a woman shouts, ‘Your soul is dead. He is stabbing his mother while standing.’ Not only this, she further says that you are a traitor and impotent, you are cutting innocent trees, at least do a good deed before you die, how much money do you want, take this ring and leave from here. A video of a woman saying this while cutting trees is going viral on social media very fast. In another video, she is seen crying and screaming while stopping the cutting of trees.

What is the controversy regarding cutting of trees in Rishikesh?

The dispute is related to the widening and flyover construction project of Rishikesh-Bhaniyawala National Highway (NH-34). Under this project, it is proposed to cut about 3,000 to 4,000 trees in the sensitive area adjacent to Rajaji Tiger Reserve and Shivalik Elephant Reserve. Local people claim that many of these trees are 80 to 120 years old and this area is also an important corridor for the natural movement of elephants.

How did the protests start?

As soon as the felling of trees under the project started on July 8, local citizens, environmental activists and various social organizations came out in protest. The protesters say that development is necessary, but sacrificing thousands of old trees for this will prove to be a big threat to the environment and biodiversity.

Why is this matter highlighted on social media?

In the last few days, many videos went viral on social media. In one video, women were seen trying to stop the felling by clinging to trees, while in another video, a woman was seen reprimanding the workers and officials, saying that cutting trees is injustice to nature. After these videos went viral, the debate on this issue intensified across the country.

Expressed protest by celebrating ‘Black Harela’

On the day of Harela, the traditional festival of Uttarakhand, the protesters celebrated ‘Black Harela’ by tying black bands. People called it a fight to save greenery and tried to stop the felling by clinging to trees on the lines of the Chipko movement.

What does the government say?

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on social media platform X that the government has taken the concerns of the people seriously. He said that this project is of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and it was being taken forward after all statutory and environmental clearances along with the directions of the High Court.

The CM also said that arrangements like a 3.5 km long elephant underpass and special culverts for small wildlife are proposed in the project for the protection of wildlife, so that human-wildlife conflict can be reduced.

Currently there is a ban on cutting of trees

After the increasing protests, the Chief Minister has directed the officials to completely stop the cutting of trees until a consensus is reached after extensive discussions with local people, environmental experts and all stakeholders. The government says that further decisions will be taken only after maintaining a balance between development, environmental protection and public sentiments.

The matter has now reached the Supreme Court

Environmental activists and social organizations have also approached the Supreme Court against the cutting of trees. The case is likely to be heard soon. During the protest, some workers were also detained by the police, due to which the dispute escalated further.

Politics also intensified

The issue of tree cutting has now taken a political colour. Opposition leaders have accused the government of ignoring the environment. The Chief Minister has made it clear that no decision will be taken ignoring public sentiments and further action will be taken only after dialogue with all parties.