New Delhi: The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the environmental and ecological condition of Himachal Pradesh, describing the state and the broader Himalayan region as facing a “serious existential crisis.” The court highlighted that unregulated development activities have exacerbated the region’s natural vulnerabilities, especially in the wake of unprecedented monsoon rains that caused widespread damage this year. Observing that humans, rather than nature, are largely responsible for recurring landslides, collapsing buildings, and sinking roads, the bench pointed to factors such as hydropower projects, multi-lane highways, deforestation, and multi-storey constructions as significant contributors to the disasters.
In response to videos showing wooden logs floating in floodwaters indicating illegal tree felling the court directed the Himachal Pradesh government to submit comprehensive, verified reports on the state’s fragile ecology and environmental conditions. On August 25, the court appointed senior advocate K. Parameshwar as amicus curiae, assisted by advocate Akashi Lodha, to examine the state’s interim report and prepare a detailed questionnaire addressing ecological and developmental concerns. The court has sought information on zoning activities, forest and tree cover, compensatory afforestation, climate change policies, roads, hydroelectric projects, mining, heavy machinery, tourism, and construction practices.
The bench has also requested details of disaster management measures, including funds allocated over the last twenty years and their utilization, as well as the number and specifics of state and national highways, particularly four-lane roads. Questions raised by the court include whether the state has a climate change policy, studies on present and future impacts of climate change on Himachal’s ecosystem, and measures employed to mitigate potential damages. The Himachal Pradesh government has been asked to submit complete responses ahead of the next hearing scheduled for October 28, 2025.
