Environmental and social activists who recently undertook the second phase of a forest study campaign have expressed concern at the axing of a considerable number of trees for construction of the all-weather roads. They state that though the danger zones on the routes have not been treated yet, a considerable number of trees are being axed along the national highways to Badrinath and Kedarnath for the all-weather road project.
Environmental activist Suresh Bhai said that during the study of the condition of forests from December 7 to 12 which started from Srinagar in Pauri district, the team of activists observed a disappointing scenario. “On the highways to Badrinath and Kedarnath we found that Peepal and other trees are being felled in considerable numbers for the widening of the road as part of the all weather road project. At Nandprayag and various other places contractors from Saharanpur have been called for cutting the trees. One wonders what type of development is being pursued when instead of ensuring the treatment of danger zones on the roads first, the focus is on clearing the trees,” he said, while adding that it is possible to construct road safe from disasters by saving the jungles. The group which undertook the study is presently preparing a report on their findings. Earlier, the group had studied the situation in the Gangotri valley, also interacting with the local communities.
It is pertinent to mention here that since the start of the all-weather road project, activists have been expressing concern at the environmental impact of what they term as unscientific execution of the project. They state that during the widening of roads, vast quantities of debris will be dumped into rivers and lakhs of Deodar and tree of other species will be axed.