The Environment Ministry’s wildlife panel has deferred a proposal seeking diversion of 40 acres of forest land from the core area of Rajaji Tiger Reserve for the year-round operation of the 6.3 km hill bypass motor road in Haridwar. The core zone of tiger reserves is legally kept free of human interference to provide undisturbed breeding grounds, shelter and prey for the big cats.Uttarakhand government sought wildlife clearance from the Standing Committee for National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) to allow vehicular traffic on the hill bypass motor road throughout the year especially during religious fairs and the Char Dham Yatra.The road as per the state government would also serve as an important emergency evacuation route for the Mansa Devi Temple area and functions as a strategic fire line, enabling the rapid movement of firefighting personnel and equipment in case of forest fires.According to the proposal, year-round operation of the road would also facilitate regular maintenance and effective drainage management. This, in turn, could help reduce the risk of landslides during the monsoon season.While the proposal had been recommended by the Uttarakhand Government, the Centre has decided that the proposal required a comprehensive site-level assessment before any decision could be taken.It decided to constitute a site inspection committee comprising representatives of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), State Forest Department, District Collector which will undertake a detailed appraisal of the project proposal to assess its impact on the wildlife.Haridwar faces a huge surge in the number of pilgrims and tourists during Mahavir Jayanti and Hanuman Jayanti festivals resulting in massive traffic jams. According to an estimate, more than three million people arrived in the district during the event. Considering the security of animals in Rajaji tiger reserve, the park administration does not open the gates on this stretch.