Supreme Court Intervenes to Address Environmental Crisis in Himachal Pradesh
Apex Court mandates detailed response from Himachal Pradesh on ecological degradation and disaster preparedness
In a significant judicial intervention, the Supreme Court of India has taken suo moto cognizance of the alarming ecological and environmental degradation in the State of Himachal Pradesh, exacerbated by human activities such as hydro power projects, deforestation, and the construction of multi-storey buildings. The judgment, delivered on September 23, 2025, by a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, highlights the urgent need for corrective measures to mitigate severe natural calamities like landslides and floods, which have caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
The writ petition, originally initiated in public interest, aims to address the existential crisis faced by Himachal Pradesh, and indeed, the entire Himalayan region, due to unchecked developmental activities. The court has observed that human actions, rather than nature, are primarily responsible for the recurrent landslides, collapsing buildings, and road subsidence that plague the region.
In a detailed order, the Supreme Court has directed the State Government to provide comprehensive responses to specific queries regarding zoning, afforestation, climate change, disaster management, and regulation of tourism and construction activities. The court has appointed Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar, assisted by Advocate Ms. Akashi Lodha, as amicus curiae to assist in this complex matter.
The amicus curiae has submitted a thorough questionnaire addressing various aspects crucial to understanding and resolving the ecological imbalance. The court expects the State to clarify zoning criteria, provide details on protected ecological sites, and furnish information on tree cover changes and compensatory afforestation efforts. Further, the State is required to report on its climate change policy, disaster management plans, and measures to regulate tourism and construction activities, including the impact of hydroelectric projects and mining operations.
Justice Vikram Nath emphasized the importance of the State's responses in formulating guidelines to protect both the citizens and the fragile ecosystem of Himachal Pradesh. The court seeks to ensure that proactive steps are taken to prevent further environmental degradation and to safeguard against natural disasters.
The Supreme Court has set October 28, 2025, as the next date of hearing, by which time the State must submit its affidavit, supported by the Principal Secretary of the Department of Forest, Himachal Pradesh, with an advance copy to the amicus curiae.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's role in environmental protection and the need for a collaborative approach to tackle ecological challenges in vulnerable regions. The comprehensive scrutiny by the Supreme Court is expected to pave the way for sustainable development practices that harmonize human progress with ecological preservation.
Bottom Line:
Environmental Law - Urgent need to address ecological and environmental degradation in Himachal Pradesh due to human activities, including hydro power projects, deforestation, and construction of multi-storey buildings, leading to severe natural calamities like landslides and floods.
Statutory provision(s): Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977
