Today, On 15th September, The Supreme Court, warned that Himachal faces an ecological crisis where the entire state may vanish in thin air from India’s map, has rescheduled its order to September 23, stressing the issue impacts the entire Himalayan region critically.
The Supreme Court reserved its order in a case related to ecological imbalance in Himachal Pradesh, emphasizing that this crisis affects not just the state but the entire Himalayan region.
The Bench, composed of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta, warned that if development remains unchecked,
“The entire State may vanish in thin air from the map of the country.”
Justice Mehta highlighted that the issue extends beyond Himachal, stating,
“This is not going to be limited to Himachal only… the entire Himalayan region.”
He noted that another ecological incident had been reported on September 12 during the case’s proceedings.
Amicus Curiae, Senior Advocate K. Parmeswar, informed the Court that the State’s report lacked detail. While it proposed the formation of a committee to address various issues, he criticized the scope as being too broad and unfocused to achieve tangible results.
The Court has slated the matter for a decision on September 23.
Notably, on August 25, the Supreme Court had initiated suo motu proceedings regarding the ecological imbalance, previously warning that the State could “vanish into thin air” without immediate remedial actions.
The Bench had acknowledged submissions from the State’s Additional Advocate General (AAG), who reported that Himachal Pradesh had submitted a detailed response on August 23.
This 65-page report addressed several environmental degradation issues, such as deforestation, landslides, and unregulated construction.
Advocate General (AG) Anup Rattan also represented the State. Justice Nath remarked that the Court would require independent support to tackle the broader environmental concerns raised in the suo motu proceedings, indicating plans to appoint an amicus curiae for assistance.
The case, initiated suo motu, arose from the Court’s earlier observations about the serious ecological crisis threatening Himachal Pradesh’s existence. Issues like unplanned urbanization, deforestation, and recurring natural disasters have consistently drawn judicial attention.
Earlier, In July, stressing the urgent need for sustainable development and environmental preservation, the Court had stated,
“The day is not far when the entire State of HP may vanish in thin air from the map of the country,”
Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan had made these comments while dismissing a Special Leave Petition challenging a July 2, 2025, order from the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
This order had upheld a state notification from June 6, 2025, designating Shri Tara Mata Hill as a Green Area, thereby restricting private construction in this ecologically sensitive region. While affirming the High Court’s decision, the Supreme Court shifted its focus to the broader environmental crisis facing Himachal Pradesh.
It cited frequent floods, landslides, and infrastructural failures, attributing them to aggressive tourism-driven construction, deforestation, and unchecked infrastructure projects, which have led to a “severe ecological imbalance.”
The Court remarked,
“Nature is definitely annoyed with the activities going on in the State of HP,” attributing the cascading disasters to human actions rather than nature.
Despite Himachal Pradesh’s role as a significant hydroelectric power hub, the cumulative effects of unscientific construction, tunnel blasting, and river diversion have rendered the terrain highly susceptible to disasters and climate change.
The Court noted that even basic water outflow requirements are often ignored, leading to the Sutlej River shrinking to a rivulet and aquatic life disappearing.
Citing alarming data and expert reports, the Bench highlighted visible climate change impacts, including rising temperatures, altered snowfall patterns, glacial retreat (notably the Bara Shigri glacier, which has shrunk by 2–2.5 km), and unpredictable weather events threatening agriculture, water security, and biodiversity.
The Court also pointed out the adverse effects of unregulated tourism and poor waste management, particularly in high-altitude areas, exacerbating environmental strain. Many hotels and homestays are being built on unstable slopes without proper zoning or environmental clearance.
In light of these observations, the Court directed the State of Himachal Pradesh to submit a comprehensive action plan to address the ecological and environmental issues raised in the order.
A copy of the judgment was sent to the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh and the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Bench declared,
“We want to impress upon the State Government and Union of India respectively that earning revenue is not everything. Revenue cannot be earned at the cost of environment and ecology,”
Bench added,
“God forbid this doesn’t happen.”
Case Title: In Re: Issues Relating to Ecology and Environmental Conditions Prevailing in the State of Himachal Pradesh
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