Uttarakhand HC stays order to fell trees on Sahastradhara road for road widening

The Nainital High Court heard the PIL filed against the proposed felling of 2057 trees for the widening of Sahastradhara Road in Dehradun. The court has put a stay on the felling of trees and directed the state government and others to file their replies. The next hearing in the matter will be on August 17.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice RC Khulbe heard a public interest litigation filed by Ashish Garg, a resident of Dehradun and a social worker. It has been said in the petition that for the proposed widening of Sahastradhara road from Dehradun Jogiwala to Khirsali Chowk, 2057 trees are to be cut.

Dehradun Valley and surrounding areas are already facing the brunt of climate change and heat islands are developing everywhere. There is also an increase in temperature due to this. The petition said that on the one hand, Sahastradhara is known for its water resources and environment, on the other hand, due to such proposed cutting, the road up to the entire Sahastradhara will become barren. To preserve its existence, the cutting of trees should be stopped.

Earlier, the court had lifted the ban on felling of trees. Instructions were given to the government that the necessary trees should be shifted to another place. Trees should be planted on both sides of the road. On Thursday, the petitioner submitted an application in the High Court saying that the cutting of trees will lead to climate change and the problem of water. Another option should be found for the widening of the road and tree felling should be stopped. On behalf of the government, it was said that on the permission of the High Court, many Eucalyptus trees have been cut and many precious trees are being transplanted.