Even after halting felling of trees in Garhi Cantt, Environmental Activists leads Anti tree felling march at Dilaram chowk in Dehradun

In a significant move, Chief Minister Dhami of Uttarakhand halted the felling of green trees on Cantt Road and Khilanga following public outcry. Despite this, concerns over ongoing tree cutting in Dehradun prompted environmental enthusiasts to organize a march from Dilaram Chowk to Centrio Mall. The protest aimed to prevent the sacrifice of Dehradun’s lush trees for development.

Hundreds participated in the march, highlighting widespread public concern. They opposed tree felling, citing its contribution to rising temperatures, dwindling water levels, and the drying of rivers. The proposal to widen the road from Dilaram Chowk to the Chief Minister’s residence involved cutting hundreds of trees, sparking significant public opposition. Chief Minister Dhami assured the public that unnecessary tree cutting would not proceed, acknowledging the need for road widening while minimizing environmental impact.

Environmental activist Ravi Chopra called for a revision of the development model, asserting that Dehradun residents would no longer tolerate plans involving tree and forest destruction. He warned of severe consequences like temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius if the government did not alter its strategy promptly.

Anup Nautiyal, founder of SDC Foundation, noted unprecedented public anger and frustration over the tree cutting, emphasizing its broader implications for Uttarakhand’s existence. Despite the halt on tree cutting, environmentalists remained concerned, organizing a Save Environment March from Dilaram Bazaar to Centrio Mall. They stressed the urgent need to preserve Dehradun’s green cover to mitigate rising temperatures and dwindling greenery.

The controversies surrounding Ravi Chopra and Jo Chopra McGowan have added complexity to environmental and social advocacy in India. Jo Chopra, an American citizen and director of the Latika Roy Foundation, faced criticism for spreading false information that the Uttarakhand government had banned Christmas celebrations, which was promptly refuted. She has also been involved in protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), stoking fears of disenfranchisement among Muslims.

Ravi Chopra, known for his environmental work, has chaired committees overseeing sensitive infrastructure projects in Uttarakhand. His involvement, coupled with allegations of receiving foreign funding, including from China, has raised concerns about conflicts of interest, especially given his influential roles in national security-related projects.

In conclusion, while both Ravi Chopra and Jo Chopra McGowan have made significant contributions to advocacy in India, their involvement in contentious activities underscores the challenges of balancing development with environmental and social preservation. These controversies highlight the need for transparency and accountability in advocacy roles that impact communities and ecosystems alike.