Social Worker Anoop Nautiyal Raises Deep Concern Over Large-Scale 46,203 Hectares Forest Diversion in Uttarakhand in 25 Years; Calls for Ecologically Responsible Development
Dehradun:
On the occasion of Harela, social worker Anoop Nautiyal today released a statement expressing deep concern over the historical and current scale of forest diversion taking place across Uttarakhand and called for a fundamental shift towards ecologically responsible and climate-resilient development. Referring to the ongoing felling of thousands of trees for the Rishikesh–Bhaniyawala four-lane highway project, he said the project has become symbolic of a development model that is placing increasing pressure on the state’s forests and fragile Himalayan ecosystems. He urged the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand to review and discontinue infrastructure projects that involve avoidable large-scale destruction of natural forests.
Referring to recently obtained information, he said that Harela should not only be celebrated as a festival of greenery but should also serve as an occasion for introspection on the future of Uttarakhand’s forests, rivers, mountains and natural resources. Citing an RTI reply dated 16 June 2026, he said that 46,203 hectares of forest land have been diverted in Uttarakhand for various development projects since the state formation in November 2000. According to the RTI, road projects account for 10,070.03 hectares (22%), followed by mining at 9,289.81 hectares (20%), transmission lines at 3,005.51 hectares (6.5%), power projects at 2,250.08 hectares (5%), irrigation projects at 456.18 hectares (1%), drinking water projects at 294.56 hectares (0.5%), while a substantial 20,837.63 hectares (45%) have been diverted under the category of “Others.” He said the unusually high proportion of forest diversion under the “Others” category warrants greater transparency and public disclosure.
Anoop Nautiyal expressed particular concern over the district-wise data, pointing out that Dehradun district alone accounts for 21,618.32 hectares, representing nearly 47% of the total forest diversion in Uttarakhand in the past 25 years. Haridwar follows with 6,002.32 hectares (13%), Nainital with 3,603.83 hectares (8%), Chamoli with 3,065.34 hectares (6.5%) and Tehri Garhwal with 2,555.29 hectares (5.5%). He questioned whether the present pattern of concentrating nearly half of the state’s forest diversion in a single district would continue in the coming years and warned that the ecological carrying capacity of the Doon Valley and the surrounding Shivalik landscape cannot be treated as limitless.
He stated that the findings assume even greater significance in the context of Uttarakhand’s worsening climate crisis. Increasing incidents of extreme rainfall, flash floods, landslides, forest fires, human-wildlife conflict and rapid urbanisation have made the state increasingly vulnerable. “The ecological costs of poorly planned development are ultimately borne by ordinary citizens, particularly economically weaker and marginalised communities, who have the least resources to recover from disasters,” he said.
Anoop Nautiyal stressed that the issue is not one of choosing between development and conservation. Instead, he said that Uttarakhand requires a model of development that strengthens both economic growth and ecological security. He called for scientific carrying-capacity based regulations for tourism, pilgrimage and urban expansion; strict compliance with all environmental, forest and wildlife laws before infrastructure projects are implemented; comprehensive cumulative impact assessments for major projects; improved urban and regional planning; notification of Eco-Sensitive Zones wherever ecologically warranted; and greater investment in the protection and restoration of natural forests, rivers and biodiversity.
He also pointed out that while the RTI reply provides detailed information regarding forest diversion, the information sought regarding compensatory afforestation has not been furnished. He added that mature Himalayan forests cannot simply be replaced through plantation drives and that protecting existing natural forests remains the most effective climate adaptation strategy available to the state.
Concluding his statement, Anoop Nautiyal extended his greetings to the people of Uttarakhand on the occasion of Harela. He expressed hope that the festival would inspire governments, institutions and citizens alike to renew their collective commitment towards conserving and ensuring that future generations inherit a state that is environmentally secure and sustainable.
