Uttarakhand : The ban on felling of trees in the widening of Sahastradhara road in Dehradun was lifted

Nainital High Court has lifted the ban on felling of 2057 trees in the widening of Dehradun Sahasradhara Road. The government has been instructed to transplant trees under the supervision of the Wildlife Research Institute (FRI). The next date of hearing has been fixed for 22 February 2023. The matter was heard before a division bench of Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice RC Khulbe.

Dehradun resident Ashish Garg had filed a public interest litigation in the High Court. It was said in the petition that for the proposed widening of Sahasradhara road from Dehradun Jogiwala to Khirsali Chowk, 2057 trees are to be cut. The Dehradun Valley and the city is already facing the brunt of climate change. Heat islands are developing everywhere and the temperature is increasing.

The petition said that Sahasradhara is known for its soft water and environment, while such proposed cutting would make the entire route up to Sahasradhara desolate and barren. To preserve its existence, the felling of trees should be stopped.

During the hearing, it was told on behalf of the government that the eucalyptus trees to be removed have completed their age and are on government land. No permission is needed to harvest eucalyptus. The transplant that is being done in the state is getting 100% success. The transplant has also been successful at IIM Kashipur. After hearing both the sides, the court lifted the ban on felling of trees.