Uttarakhand High Court Halts Tree Felling to Protect Elephant Corridors

The Uttarakhand High Court has temporarily halted the felling of 3,000 trees for the Rishikesh-Bhaniyawala road widening. A public interest litigation by Renu Pal highlights the potential obstruction to elephant corridors. The court demands proof of permissions from the government to proceed without ecological harm.

The Uttarakhand High Court has intervened to prevent the felling of 3,000 trees, intended for the widening of the Rishikesh-Bhaniyawala road, amid ecological concerns. The ruling came following a public interest litigation by Dehradun resident Renu Pal, who highlighted the project's potential to disrupt vital elephant corridors.

In response to concerns about potential disruptions to elephant movement, the state government assured the court that measures would be taken to protect wildlife corridors. However, the court has insisted that the government must present all necessary environmental permissions before any development proceeds.

The decision aligns with the court's previous stance on protecting the Shivalik Elephant Reserve, underscoring its commitment to environmental conservation. This case could set a precedent for future infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive areas.