Char Dham Road project 75% complete; Centre informs SC

16 Oct 2024 CW Team

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, briefed a bench comprising Justices C T Ravikumar and Ujjal Bhuyan. She stated that the Supreme Court-appointed oversight committee, led by retired Justice A K Sikri, had submitted two progress reports in April and August 2024, monitoring the project’s development while addressing environmental concerns.

The project has faced scrutiny over its ecological impact. In 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the formation of a committee to explore environmental safeguards. Environmentalist Ravi Chopra initially chaired the panel but resigned in March 2022, citing that the road ministry was disregarding the committee’s recommendations. Following his departure, Justice Sikri took over leadership.

Chopra recently criticised the project’s execution, telling the source: “By breaking the Char Dham Pariyojana into 53 smaller projects, each under 100 km, the ministry bypassed environmental impact assessments (EIA) required for large-scale developments. This has led to landslides in completed sections, causing loss of life and property, while the project remains unfinished after eight years.”

Uttarkashi-based environmentalist Suresh Bhai raised additional concerns about the remaining 100 km stretch between Uttarkashi and Gangotri, where 40 km is home to rare deodar trees. Bhai proposed an alternative route through rocky terrain, from Sukhi Top via Jaspur, Purali, Bagori, Harsil, and Mukhba to Bhairav Valley, which would avoid ecological damage and safeguard biodiversity. This path, he explained, offers abundant sunlight and minimal glacier risks, providing a sustainable option for completing the project without felling millions of trees. (ET &TOI)

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that nearly 75% of the Char Dham all-weather highway project, spanning over 900 kilometers, is complete. This key infrastructure initiative aims to improve road connectivity to Uttarakhand’s four sacred shrines—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—and bolster strategic access to the China border, enhancing troop mobility. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Centre, briefed a bench comprising Justices C T Ravikumar and Ujjal Bhuyan. She stated that the Supreme Court-appointed oversight committee, led by retired Justice A K Sikri, had submitted two progress reports in April and August 2024, monitoring the project’s development while addressing environmental concerns. The project has faced scrutiny over its ecological impact. In 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the formation of a committee to explore environmental safeguards. Environmentalist Ravi Chopra initially chaired the panel but resigned in March 2022, citing that the road ministry was disregarding the committee’s recommendations. Following his departure, Justice Sikri took over leadership. Chopra recently criticised the project’s execution, telling the source: “By breaking the Char Dham Pariyojana into 53 smaller projects, each under 100 km, the ministry bypassed environmental impact assessments (EIA) required for large-scale developments. This has led to landslides in completed sections, causing loss of life and property, while the project remains unfinished after eight years.” Uttarkashi-based environmentalist Suresh Bhai raised additional concerns about the remaining 100 km stretch between Uttarkashi and Gangotri, where 40 km is home to rare deodar trees. Bhai proposed an alternative route through rocky terrain, from Sukhi Top via Jaspur, Purali, Bagori, Harsil, and Mukhba to Bhairav Valley, which would avoid ecological damage and safeguard biodiversity. This path, he explained, offers abundant sunlight and minimal glacier risks, providing a sustainable option for completing the project without felling millions of trees. (ET &TOI)

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

Pecan Realty Completes Rs 1.5 Billion Transactions

Pecan Realty has recently completed four institutional transactions worth over Rs 1.5 billion over the past two years, strengthening its position as an execution-led real estate platform. The deals include resolution-led acquisitions, structured finance transactions and capital partnerships across its development portfolio.The transactions covered acquisitions through the National Company Law Tribunal process and helped provide repayment or exits to both private and public sector lenders. The company said the deals demonstrate its ability to resolve complex project situations, work with instit..

Real Estate

07 Jul 2026

SNN Estates Expands North Bengaluru Housing Project

SNN Estates has announced an expansion of its SNN Estates Felicity residential project in North Bengaluru following strong buyer demand, with 75 per cent of the first-phase inventory sold within three days of launch.The developer will add 76 apartments in the new phase, taking the project's estimated revenue potential to around Rs 1,000 crore upon completion of Phase 2.Spread across 6.5 acres in Rachenahalli, near Manyata Tech Park, the project comprises 604 apartments in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 BHK configurations. The development includes a 50,000-sq-ft clubhouse with amenities such as sports co..

Infrastructure Urban

07 Jul 2026

SCG Drives ASEAN Industrial Transformation Strategy

SCG is strengthening its focus on ASEAN as a key growth region by advancing industrial transformation, enhancing competitiveness and building resilient regional value chains. Thammasak Sethaudom, President and Chief Executive Officer, SCG, highlighted the need for industries to continuously develop capabilities, strengthen resilience and deepen regional cooperation to achieve sustainable long-term growth.SCG views ASEAN as an important growth engine alongside China, supported by favourable demographics, trade connectivity and investment flows. With ASEAN’s GDP projected to grow by around 4.7..