Protests Save 2000 Sal Trees in Khalanga Reserve Forest
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Protest against felling of 2,000 Sal trees in Khalanga Reserve Forest, Dehradun. |
| Reason for Protest | State government planned to build a drinking water plant under the Song Dam Project, requiring the felling of 2,000 Sal trees. |
| Outcome | Due to public protests, the government decided to relocate the drinking water plant. |
| Project Details | Song Dam Project: A drinking water project worth ₹524 crore, part of a larger ₹3,000 crore initiative. Includes a reservoir and a 150 MLD water treatment plant on 4.2 hectares of land. Aimed at supplying water to Dehradun's 60 wards. |
| Sal Tree Significance | Scientific Name: Shorea robusta. Native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Himalayan regions. Grows up to 40 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of 2 meters. State tree of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. |
| Cultural Importance | Sacred in Hindu tradition, associated with Lord Vishnu. Jains believe Mahavir achieved enlightenment under a Sal tree. Buddhist tradition links it to Gautama Buddha's birth and death. |