Mussoorie, July 10 -- Amid protests over tree felling for the widening of the Bhaniyawala-Rishikesh stretch of National Highway-7, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Thursday said the project is being executed with statutory approvals and incorporates a series of measures to minimise its environmental impact. The Rs.743-crore project, being implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode, will widen nearly 20 km of highway connecting Bhaniyawala with Jolly Grant Airport and Rishikesh. According to NHAI, the upgraded corridor is expected to improve connectivity between Dehradun, the airport and Rishikesh, while easing traffic for tourists, Char Dham pilgrims and local commuters. NHAI officials said the existing two-lane road, which traverses forest areas, carries nearly 18,500 vehicles daily and is marked by sharp curves and frequent movement of heavy vehicles, contributing to congestion and accidents. The widening, they added, will improve road geometry and safety. Seeking to allay environmental concerns, the authority said the forest stretch has been designed with a reduced right of way of 23 metres instead of the conventional 60 metres. Following a scientific assessment by the Forest Research Institute, 754 trees have been identified for transplantation during the ongoing monsoon season....