Guwahati, April 23 -- Over 4,400 trees to fell in Meghalaya's reserved and deemed forest areas to make way for a critical road widening project in the Garo Hills.

This development has sparked environmental concerns due to the region's rich biodiversity.

According to a report reviewed by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, its advisory committee has cleared the diversion of 34.88 hectares of forest land in East and North Garo Hills districts.

This clearance paves the way for the expansion of National Highway 127B under the Bharatmala Pariyojana.

The stretch of road, connecting Darugiri, Songsak, and Williamnagar junction, forms a key corridor that links Shillong with the eastern parts of Garo Hills, bypassing ...