Murli Manohar Joshi Defends Deodar Forests Amidst Highway Expansion in Uttarakhand

Former Union minister Murli Manohar Joshi supports the Raksha Sutra program against the removal of over 6,000 deodar trees for the Gangotri National Highway extension in Uttarakhand. He stresses the importance of protecting the Himalayas and links environmental preservation to cultural heritage. Joshi has also petitioned the Supreme Court for intervention.

Former Union Minister Murli Manohar Joshi has voiced his support for the Raksha Sutra initiative, organized to oppose the felling of more than 6,000 deodar trees as part of the proposed expansion of the Gangotri National Highway in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.

Joshi, in a video message to the gathering in Harsil village, emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding the Himalayas, equating their protection to the defense of India's frontiers.

He highlighted the environmental consequences of such acts by referencing past natural disasters and has taken a legal step by filing a petition to the Supreme Court to halt the deforestation.

(With inputs from agencies.)