Rishikesh, July 12 -- Local residents and environmental activists have been staging protests in Rishikesh against the proposed felling of Sal trees for the road-widening project on the Dehradun-Rishikesh National Highway between Bhaniyawala and Ranipokhari, urging authorities to reconsider the plan over environmental concerns.

The protesters have opposed the cutting of Sal trees, arguing that the move could adversely impact the region's ecology, lead to a rise in temperatures and affect groundwater levels.

Advocate Ashutosh Kothari, a local resident, said the protest has been continuing for five days with the aim of preventing the trees from being felled.

"We've been protesting here for 5 days to prevent the Sal trees from falling...th...