There is an important update for Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand. The Supreme Court has given its approval for the construction of an all-weather road, cutting through the national park, but on one condition: commercial vehicles will not be allowed to ply on the stretch. Here’s why this condition has been put in place.
Supreme Court Approves All-Weather Road In Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is spread across the Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal districts of Uttarakhand. It is known for its significant population of Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards, and over 300 species of birds. The Supreme Court has now made an important decision regarding the park. The top court has approved the construction of the 11.5 km Laldhang-Chillarkhal road. The road will cut through Rajaji National Park. According to NDTV, the road is expected to benefit thousands of people living in Uttarakhand’s 18 remote villages.
However, the construction has been allowed with one important condition. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, refused to allow commercial vehicles on the road. The reason is that a 4.5 km stretch from Chamaria Bend to Siggadi Sot is ecologically sensitive. It is also the only functional wildlife corridor connecting Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve and Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
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Why Commercial Vehicles Will Not Be Allowed?
According to a report by NDTV, the construction of this road will connect Kotdwar and Haridwar, offering better access and facilities to nearby villages. Since commercial vehicles will not be allowed on this road, they will have to take a longer detour via Uttar Pradesh to reach their destinations.
The restriction on commercial vehicles has been imposed to protect the forest’s flora and fauna. Several wildlife experts and environmental activists had raised concerns about the impact of heavy traffic on animal movement and the natural habitat. The court has made it clear that if the 11.5 km road is constructed, heavy-load trucks and dumpers will not be allowed to use it.
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What do you think of this decision taken for Rajaji National Park? Do share your thoughts with us.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Jeffry Surianto (Representative Image)