HC directs authorities to ensure protection of elephant corridor & wildlife in four-laning project
Saturday, 29 MARCH 2025 | PNS | Nainital
The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife), Forest Research Institute and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project manager to hold a meeting to discuss means to ensure that the elephant corridor is protected and not damaged by the four-laning of the road between Bhaniawala and Rishikesh. The court issued this direction while hearing a public interest litigation regarding the planned cutting of about 3,400 trees for the four-laning of the road.
During the hearing on Friday, the NHAI informed that it had already taken measures for wildlife management and protecting the elephant corridor. The PCCF (Wildlife) was present via video conferencing while the NHAI project manager was physically present in court during the hearing on Friday. The court asked where the trees affected by the project can be transplanted. What arrangements can be made for the safety of elephants, big cats, reptiles and other wildlife, the court asked. The departments concerned should hold a joint meeting and submit their report in the court during the next hearing on April 4, the HC directed.
Dehradun-based activist Reenu Paul had filed the PIL stating that more than 3,300 trees had been marked for felling for widening of the road between Rishikesh and Bhaniwala. The area in question is part of an elephant corridor and the planned work may affect the elephant corridor and other wildlife, she has stated, while seeking a stay.
