Uttarakhand Kranti Dal continues its protests against incessant felling of trees in Rishikesh Bhaniawala, Dehradun corridor
By Sunil Negi
The trees in the Dehradun-Bhaniawala and Rishikesh corridor are being cut mercilessly in connection with road widening, leading to protest demonstrations by enlightened citizens of Dehradun, Rishikesh and the surrounding areas. While both Congress and BJP have stayed away from these protests, it is understandable that the BJP, being the ruling party, would not participate. But it is surprising and shocking as to what ails the Congress that it is away from this entirely pro-people and anti-establishment environmental issue. Among the opposition parties, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal has been the most vociferous, along with CPIML. Around four thousand trees are being cut in this stretch against the wishes of the local populace and environmentalists. What sounds even more surprising is the fact that Padma Shri recipients like Anil Joshi, who live in Dehradun, are conspicuous by their absence.
On Monday, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal staged a strong demonstration at Saat Mod area of the Rishikesh-Bhaniawala road against the felling of trees. A large number of workers and environmental lovers gathered and raised slogans of “Save Trees, Save Environment” while demanding an immediate halt to the cutting.
The protesters said that indiscriminate felling of trees in the name of development poses a serious threat to the environment and to future generations. They demanded that the government maintain a balance between development works and environmental protection. If cutting trees is unavoidable, then adequate plantation should be ensured in return.
During the demonstration, police detained several agitators, which led to a tense situation at the spot for some time. Later, the situation normalized. UKD has warned that if the cutting of trees is not stopped, the movement will be expanded further.
Citizens say that development is necessary, but destruction of nature in its name cannot be accepted. Alternative methods of road widening can be adopted to save the trees. Now it remains to be seen how seriously the government and the opposition take this public outrage and what concrete steps are taken to save the environment.
