The Supreme Court on Thursday raised alarm over the scale of destruction caused by recent floods and landslides in the Himalayan states, remarking that illegal felling of trees may have worsened the disaster.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, with Justice K Vinod Chandran, referred to disturbing visuals from Himachal Pradesh showing timber logs tumbling down with the floodwaters. “Prima facie, it appears there has been rampant cutting of trees in the hills,” the bench said, terming the situation a matter of “grave concern.”
Court Pulls Up Authorities
The bench issued formal notices to the Union ministries of Environment and Jal Shakti, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the state governments of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir. The matter will be heard again in two weeks.
CJI Gavai pointed out that villages and farmlands in Punjab had been wiped out in the floods. “Development has to be balanced,” he cautioned, stressing the need for sustainable planning in fragile ecological zones.
The court requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to take stock of the situation with the environment ministry and state officials. “It appears a serious issue. A large number of wooden logs were seen floating around, showing illegal felling of trees,” the bench told him.
Mehta acknowledged the concern, remarking, “We have interfered with nature so much that now nature is giving back.”
Public Interest Plea On Himalayan Ecology
The remarks came during the hearing of a petition filed by Anamika Rana, who sought stronger safeguards for the Himalayan ecosystem. The plea urged the top court to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or frame guidelines to prevent disasters of this nature in the future.
The petition argued that both the Centre and states have failed to prepare meaningful disaster management plans despite having dedicated authorities in place. It blamed reckless hill road construction, encroachment on water bodies, and neglect of environmental regulations for increasing the frequency of landslides and flash floods.
Call For Expert Committee
The PIL also asked for an independent expert panel of geologists and environmental scientists to examine road and highway projects in landslide-prone areas. It sought an inquiry into non-compliance with environmental laws, breaches in development guidelines, and accountability of officials connected with projects between 2023 & 2025.
According to the petitioner, protecting the fragile Himalayan ecology is essential not only for disaster prevention but also for enforcing citizens’ fundamental rights to life and equality under Articles 21 and 14 of the Constitution.
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