Explained: What it takes to widen mountain roads, and how the public can help

The Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is strategically important for the Indian Army, serves as a gateway to major pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, and is a popular trekking and tourist destination. These factors have driven the expansion of its infrastructure, especially its road network.

Speaking at an event in Tanakpur earlier this year, Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari stated that the length of national highways in Uttarakhand has increased from 2,517 km in 2014 to 3,608 km. “INR 1.40 lakh crore is currently being spent on road infrastructure in Uttarakhand, with an additional INR 60,000 crore soon to be added,” he said.

Among the significant projects is the Char Dham Highway, which aims to connect and improve approximately 900 kilometres of roads, ensuring easier access for pilgrims to the four shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri year-round, thereby boosting tourism.

Another key project is the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, which will enhance connectivity between Dehradun and New Delhi.

Foundation stones have also been laid for eight national highway projects. These include the widening of the Kathgodam to Nainital road to improve connectivity to the Nainital-Manaskhand temples, the widening of the Kashipur to Ramnagar road to facilitate easier access to Corbett National Park, and the widening and rehabilitation of Kanda Marg from Udiyari Band on National Highway 309A to improve access to the Bagnath and Baijnath temples in Bageshwar.

Loss of green cover

One of the most immediate and significant environmental impacts of these projects is deforestation. Expanding roads requires clearing large tracts of forest land, leading to habitat destruction and a consequential loss of biodiversity.

In 2020, data from the forest department revealed that Uttarakhand lost 50,000 hectares of forest land to various developmental projects in 20 years, with road construction being one of the top six contributing activities.

In Dehradun, the environmental group Citizens for Green Doon has claimed that 40,000 trees have been earmarked for felling due to developmental projects, with 20,000 already cut down. Among the trees that were marked for removal were 2,000 in the Sahastradhara area for a road-widening project aimed at enhancing connectivity between Mussoorie and Dehradun. It prompted Dehradun resident and activist Ashish Garg to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

Garg's PIL highlighted the severe environmental impact of cutting down these trees. The Dehradun valley already faces significant challenges related to climate change, including rising temperatures and the development of “heat islands”. Garg argued that the proposed road widening would further deplete the region's green cover, especially in the scenic Sahastradhara area. The Uttarakhand High Court stayed the proposal.

“Deforestation also poses a severe threat to the region's wildlife, including endangered species such as the snow leopard, musk deer, and various bird species," says Karunesh Singh, an independent biologist who has been working in the area to study the musk deer. "The fragmentation of habitats due to road networks disrupts animal movement and breeding patterns, further impacting their populations.”

Soil erosion Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain is also highly susceptible to soil erosion and landslides, both of which are exacerbated by road construction. The removal of vegetation and excavation of hillsides destabilise the soil, leading to increased incidents of landslides, especially during the monsoon season.

A 2021 study conducted by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology found that 51 percent of the state falls under 'high' and 'very high' landslide susceptible zones. Some religious tourist destinations such as Uttarkashi, Badrinath, and Munsyari fall in 'high' to 'very high' landslide-susceptible zones, according to the study published in the Journal of Earth Systems.

These landslides not only cause significant loss of life and property but also lead to the degradation of agricultural land and water resources, impacting local communities.

Carbon emissions

The construction and subsequent use of roads also contribute to increased carbon emissions and air pollution. “The influx of vehicles, especially during peak tourist seasons, leads to higher levels of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The Himalayan region, already sensitive to climate change and prone to forest fires, faces additional stress due to these emissions,” says researcher Aditi Singh, who has been studying the pollution levels in the state for nearly five years for a study.

For instance, a 2021 study, that analysed data from 2018 to 2021, found that ambient air quality parameters such as SPM, RSPM, and SO2 were at high concentrations and exceeded the maximum permissible limits at almost all sampling locations in the Doon region. Dehradun, in particular, had high pollution levels mainly due to automotive emissions, especially from the high number of two-stroke two-wheelers, which are very harmful to human health.

The road ahead

Addressing the environmental impacts of road development in Uttarakhand requires a multifaceted approach. Sustainable construction practices, such as using bioengineering techniques to stabilise slopes and minimise soil erosion, are essential. Additionally, creating wildlife corridors and underpasses can help mitigate the impact on biodiversity.

“Reforestation and afforestation initiatives must accompany road construction projects to compensate for the loss of forest cover. Community involvement in these efforts can enhance their effectiveness, ensuring that local needs and knowledge are incorporated into conservation strategies,” says Singh.

Promoting eco-friendly transportation options, such as electric vehicles and improved public transport, can also help reduce the carbon footprint of tourism and daily commuting in the state.