Rishikesh Tree Protest: Citizens Unite to Protect Thousands of Sal Trees

A massive environmental movement has emerged in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, where thousands of residents, environmentalists, students, and volunteers gathered to oppose the proposed felling of trees for the Bhaniyawala–Rishikesh highway widening project. The project covers a nearly 20-kilometre stretch passing through the ecologically sensitive Rajaji National Park elephant corridor.

According to official project details, authorities had planned to remove 4,369 trees, including 3,605 trees to be cut and 754 to be transplanted to facilitate the road expansion. Protesters argue that the forest is a vital habitat for elephants and other wildlife and plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

The demonstrations, often compared to Uttarakhand's historic Chipko Movement, saw citizens hugging trees and forming human chains to prevent logging. Growing public pressure prompted Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to announce an immediate halt to tree felling and order fresh consultations with environmental experts, local residents, and other stakeholders before any further action is taken.

The highway project is estimated to cost around ₹743 crore and aims to improve connectivity between Dehradun and Rishikesh. However, the protests have reignited the debate over balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation. The movement has become one of India's most significant environmental campaigns of 2026, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable development that protects forests while supporting economic progress.