Environmentalists and Former Ministers Approach Supreme Court to Review Char Dham Road Widening Judgment
A group of environmentalists, scientists, and former Union Ministers, including Murli Manohar Joshi and Karan Singh, have petitioned the Supreme Court to review its 2021 judgment. The 2021 ruling permitted the widening of roads for the Char Dham project beyond the 5.5-meter limit recommended by an expert committee. Petitioners argue that cutting hill slopes for 10-meter wide roads has caused massive landslides, sinking zones, and ecological damage in the fragile Himalayan region. They seek a return to the 5.5-meter intermediate road width to prevent further disasters, citing recent torrential rains and road blockages as evidence of the project's detrimental impact.
Key Points
- Petitioners seek a recall of the 2021 SC judgment that allowed 10-meter wide roads for strategic border access.
- The original expert committee had recommended a 5.5-meter width to minimize ecological disturbance in the Himalayas.
- The project involves widening roads leading to the shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
- Environmentalists highlight that the current construction is causing frequent landslides and destroying forest cover.
Exam Facts
- Char Dham Project: Connects Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
- Expert committee recommendation: 5.5-meter road width.
- Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ) is a key area affected by the project.
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