Tree Felling Sparks Protest as RTI Exposes Scale of Forest Diversion in Uttarakhand
Massive protests in Rishikesh over alleged felling of trees for road widening project. (Image video grab)
By KUMAR VIKRAM
RTI Reveals 46,203 Hectares of Forest Land Diverted in Uttarakhand Since 2000, Nearly Half in Dehradun
Dehradun, July 19, 2026 — An RTI response obtained by Uttarakhand-based environmental activist Anoop Nautiyal has revealed that 46,203 hectares of forest land have been diverted for development projects in Uttarakhand since the state’s formation in November 2000, with Dehradun accounting for nearly 47% of the total diversion.
Sharing the findings on X on the occasion of Harela, Uttarakhand’s traditional festival celebrating nature and tree plantation, Nautiyal questioned the state’s current development model. He argued that it is placing increasing pressure on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
According to the RTI reply issued by the Office of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Nodal Officer (Forest Conservation), 21,618.32 hectares of forest land have been diverted in Dehradun district alone, despite the district constituting only about 6% of Uttarakhand’s geographical area.
The RTI data shows that road projects account for the largest share of forest diversion at 10,070.03 hectares (22%), followed by mining (9,289.81 hectares or 20%). Other categories include power transmission lines, electricity infrastructure, irrigation schemes and drinking water projects.
Nautiyal said the findings were particularly significant as thousands of trees continue to be felled for the Rishikesh-Bhaniyawala highway widening project, which has triggered widespread protests by local residents and environmental groups in recent weeks.
“On Harela, I’m reflecting on where Uttarakhand stands today,” Nautiyal wrote, adding that “I’m deeply concerned that this has become the symbol of a development model that is pushing our fragile Himalayan ecosystems beyond their limits.”
Calling for a rethink in planning, the activist urged policymakers to adopt climate-resilient and ecologically responsible development, backed by carrying-capacity assessments, strict enforcement of environmental laws, protection of natural forests and complete transparency in compensatory afforestation.
The RTI response also indicates that detailed information regarding survival rates of saplings planted under compensatory afforestation is not available with the office, while district-wise details of plantation activities are maintained through separate field offices.
Nautiyal argued that Harela should not be confined to symbolic tree plantation drives. “Harela should be a day not only to plant trees, but also to protect the forests we still have,” he said.
The disclosures come amid heightened public debate over balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan state. Environmental groups have increasingly warned that rapid forest diversion, expanding road networks and large-scale construction could heighten the region’s vulnerability to landslides, flash floods and climate-related disasters.
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