Centre approves forest land transfer to expedite Kainchi Dham bypass construction in Uttarakhand

With increasing numbers of devotees visiting Kainchi Dham in Nainital district to pay homage to Neem Karoli Baba, the traffic congestion in the area has been growing each year.

The Uttarakhand state government is actively working on solutions to manage this rising traffic and ensure a safe and smooth experience for both pilgrims and local travelers. Progress has accelerated recently with the Centre approving the transfer of forest land required for the bypass construction.

Recognizing the increasing vehicle pressure on national highway 109E near Kainchi Dham, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the construction of the Kainchi Dham bypass in 2023.

The aim is to alleviate traffic congestion and provide safer travel for all. The proposed bypass will be 19 kilometers long and will include a bridge across the Shipra river.

An amount of Rs 1,214.71 lakh has been allocated to the Public Works Department for the construction, widening, and asphalt paving of an eight-kilometer section in the first phase, with work currently underway.

Since forest land is required for the remaining 11 kilometers, the state sent a proposal to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to seek necessary approvals.

Thanks to the chief minister’s persistent efforts, approval was granted by the MoEFCC and REC for the transfer of the forest land needed for the bypass. Construction on this section will begin shortly.

It is important to note that lakhs of people visit Kainchi Dham annually, and this number continues to grow steadily. To facilitate the completion of the bypass announced in 2023, Dhami recently met with the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, urging expedited forest land transfer.

Dhami stated, "The MoEFCC has granted its approval in principle to the forest land transfer for construction of the Kainchi Dham bypass. This will expedite the construction of this road which will considerably benefit both the local residents and the tourists." He added, "The construction of the bypass will resolve the traffic jam which occurs near Kainchi Dham and Bhawali."