Widening of Gangotri road won't violate SC order, says BRO

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Last Updated14/10/2024

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has said that the proposed widening of the Chardham project’s Gangotri-Dharasu stretch in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ) is not in violation of the Supreme Court’s order.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has responded to concerns raised by civil society groups regarding the proposed widening of the Gangotri-Dharasu road in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ).
According to the BRO, this project does not violate the Supreme Court's December 2021 conditional approval, which permitted the Chardham project to proceed with specific environmental protections.

SC's 2021 Judgment: In December 2021, the Supreme Court recognized the Rishikesh-Gangotri road as a "strategic road" and allowed its widening, including rehabilitation with paved shoulders, for defense and logistical purposes.
BRO's Position: In a letter dated September 3 to the Uttarkashi Divisional Forest Officer, the BRO maintained that the widening of the Gangotri-Dharasu road aligns with the Supreme Court's judgment. The organization emphasized that the project adheres to the conditional green light provided by the apex court.

Himalayi Nagrik Drishti Manch’s Opposition: The Uttarkashi-based civil society group, Himalayi Nagrik Drishti Manch, alleged that the BRO is undertaking road widening without conducting the necessary environmental impact assessments (EIA).
Eco-Sensitive Zone: The Gangotri-Dharasu stretch falls within the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ), an area of 4,157 sq km, designated in 2012 to protect the delicate ecology of the River Ganga’s watershed near its source.

HPC’s Concerns: The High-Powered Committee (HPC) recommended that a proposed bypass at Netala be dropped due to potential adverse environmental and social impacts. Despite this, the BRO contended that the oversight committee reviewed the proposal in October 2022 and found that bypasses at Sukhi Top, Netala, and Garampani appeared more practical.
Environmental Concerns: The HPC emphasized the need to evaluate hill-cutting, muck generation, tree removal, transplantation, and other environmental aspects of the project. Civil society groups are advocating for strict adherence to these recommendations to avoid ecological harm.

BRO’s Submission: In August, the BRO submitted to the Union Environment Ministry that the road widening project does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or clearance, a stance at odds with the HPC's recommendations.