New Delhi, Dec. 8 -- Villagers, environmental activists, political leaders tied raksha sutras - a thread that symbolises protection - to old-growth Deodar trees near Harsil in the upper reaches of Bhagirathi eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) to save them from the axe. These trees are likely to be cleared for the expansion of the 20.6-km Char Dham route between Bhaironghati to Jhala in Uttar Kashi district, people familiar with the matter said.

Local residents sang Garhwali songs about saving the mountains and forests, before tying rakhis to the trees and holding a Deodar pooja for the trees likely to be cut.

HT reported on Friday that around 6,000 Deodar trees have been marked on the Char Dham stretch for felling after the Uttarakhand government...