{ EXPANSION OF CHAR DHAM ROUTE } U’KHAND’S HARSIL Local residents tie ‘raksha sutras’, pray for Deodar trees

NEW DELHI: Villagers, environmental activists, political leaders tied raksha sutras — a thread that symbolises protection — to old-growth Deodar trees near Harsil in the upper reaches of Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) to save them from the axe.

- Jayashree Nandi

These trees are likely to be cleared for the expansion of the 20.6-km Char Dham route between Bhaironghati to Jhala in Uttar Kashi district, people familiar with the matter said.

Local residents sang Garhwali songs about saving the mountains and forests, before tying rakhis to the trees and holding a Deodar pooja for the trees likely tobe cut.

HT reported on Friday that around 6,000 Deodar trees have been marked on the Char Dham stretch for felling after the Uttar-

akhand government gave its nod for the route’s widening, people aware of the details said. Around 6,000 deodar trees have been marked on the stretch for felling, according to local residents.

According to a letter by head of forest forces, Uttarakhand, the stretch will involve the loss of