The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has given its final nod for the allocation of forest land to reconstruct the Rambara-Garudchatti pedestrian road, which was devastated during the 2013 Kedarnath disaster. Following a decade-long effort by the state government, the original route, spanning approximately 6.750 to 12.10 kilometers from Rambara to Garud Chatti, is being restored after a new route was established on the opposite side of the Mandakini river post-calamity. The land transfer of 0.983 hectares for road construction has been approved, marking a significant step in reviving this crucial pedestrian route.
According to Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal, both the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Board and the National Wildlife Board have endorsed the land transfer for the construction of the road. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Nodal Officer, Ranjan Mishra, confirmed that the central government approved the Forest Department’s proposal in July. Subsequently, a modified mitigation plan submitted by the state government in September has now secured approval from the central government. This restoration effort is expected to substantially reduce the walking distance to Kedarnath Dham by two to two and a half kilometers, complementing the three-kilometer pedestrian route from Garurchatti to Kedarnath finalized in 2017.
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