Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari assured on Wednesday that the government will address environmental concerns related to the Chardham project while also facilitating pilgrim access and enhancing national security.
During a Rajya Sabha session, Gadkari confirmed that the government is committed to protecting the Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone while advancing the Chardham project, which aims to improve connectivity to the holy sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in Uttarakhand. The Rs 12,000-crore initiative involves widening and maintaining 900 kilometers of roads, with only 150 kilometers remaining for completion.
“The project will balance ecological preservation with national interests. We are committed to safeguarding the environment and will plant and transplant a significant number of trees along the route,” Gadkari stated. The Chardham programme, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2016, was initially set for completion by March 2020. However, its progress has been hindered by legal challenges, including a case in the National Green Tribunal and an appeal in the Supreme Court.
Gadkari also addressed the delay in highway construction in Manipur, attributing the slowdown to ongoing law and order issues. “The construction work is being obstructed by local protests. I’ve held discussions with the Chief Minister and local officials to resolve these issues,” he added. Manipur has been experiencing unrest since May last year over the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.
The Minister stressed the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure both the Chardham project and national highway developments proceed as planned.
