The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed grave concern over the devastating landslides and floods battering the Himalayan states, pointing to clear signs of ecological imbalance. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, along with Justice Vinod Chandran, flagged alarming reports of wooden logs floating in floodwaters of Himachal Pradesh - a sign, it noted, of widespread illegal tree felling.
Background
The hearing came on a public interest litigation filed by environmentalist Anamika Rana, who sought urgent guidelines and an inquiry to protect fragile Himalayan regions. Her petition highlighted repeated disasters in states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir- including flash floods, landslips, and cloudbursts that have led to loss of lives and property.
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Rana, represented by advocate Shubham Upadhyay, also demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of experts to assess causes of the disasters and chart a plan for sustainable protection of these regions.
Court’s Observations
The bench did not mince words. “We have seen unprecedented landslides and floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. From the media reports, it is noticed that in the flood, a huge number of wood was flowing along. Prima facie, it appears that there has been illegal felling of trees,” the Court observed.
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CJI Gavai, addressing Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, stressed the urgency. “SG, please take note of this. It appears as a serious issue. Large number of wooden logs was seen… Development has to be balanced with mitigating measures,” he said.
Mehta assured the Court that the Centre was already treating the issue seriously. “We have interfered with nature so much that nature is giving back now. I will speak to the Secretary of the Environment Ministry and he will speak to Chief Secretaries. It cannot be permitted,” he remarked.
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The bench also noted distressing reports of people trapped in tunnels and struggling for survival in flood-affected regions. “Yes, we have noticed the seriousness of the issue,” CJI Gavai said in response.
Decision
Issuing notice on the petition, the Court sought replies from the Central government, the National Disaster Management Authority, the Environment Ministry, the Jal Shakti Ministry, the National Highways Authority of India, and the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
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The matter will now be heard after two weeks, once the responses are filed. The Supreme Court’s intervention, coming at a time of worsening climate-linked disasters, signals that the ecological survival of the Himalayan belt is now firmly on the judicial radar.
Case Title: Anamika Rana v. Union of India
Petitioner: Environmental activist Anamika Rana (through advocate Shubham Upadhyay)
Respondents: Union Government, National Disaster Management Authority, Environment Ministry, Jal Shakti Ministry, NHAI, and state governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and J&K.
