National Highways projects are taken up in Himalayan region keeping in view traffic and strategic requirements. Detailed Project Report is prepared after evaluating the geological, geotechnical, hydrological and topographical conditions of terrain before taking up any development work on National Highways in Himalayan region.

Chardham project comprises improvement of 5 existing National Highways (NHs) connecting Chardham viz. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath including Tanakpur to Pithoragarh section of Kailas-Mansarovar yatra, aggregating a length of about 825 km. Out of 825 km length, 616 km length has been completed.

Under the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, MoEF&CC, in August 2019, has constituted a High Powered Committee (HPC) comprising representatives from various reputed institutes like Physical Research Laboratory, Wildlife Institute of India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Central Soil Conservation Research Institute, National Institute of Disaster Management, Forest Research Institute etc. with mandate to consider the cumulative and independent impact of Chardham Projects on the entire Himalayan Valleys and give directions in respect of environmental impacts. In addition, Hon'ble Supreme Court has also set up an "Oversight Committee" to ensure the implementation of the recommendations given in the report of aforesaid HPC especially the strategic roads viz. Rishikesh – Mana, Rishikesh – Gangotri and Tanakpur - Pithoragarh. The committees meet on regular basis and their recommendations are implemented during execution of the works.

This information was given by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

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MJPS/GS

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