Today, On 4th September, The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre over illegal felling of trees, urging action to protect states affected by landslides and floods. The move aims to address environmental damage and prevent future disasters.
The Supreme Court expressed grave concern over the severe landslides and floods affecting Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice Vinod Chandran noted recent reports of numerous cut wooden logs floating in the flood-affected areas of Himachal Pradesh, suggesting extensive illegal tree felling.
The Court stated,
“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 urged the Central government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, to take the matter seriously.
CJI Gavai remarked,
“SG, please take note of this. It appears as a serious issue. Large number of wooden logs was seen to be falling around and it shows illegal felling of trees. We have seen pictures of Punjab … entire field and crops are inundated. Development has to be balanced with mitigating measures,”
Solicitor General Mehta assured that the issue is being addressed with the necessary seriousness and committed to discussing it with the Secretary of the Environment Ministry.
SG Mehta stated,
“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,”
A counsel before the Court highlighted that people are trapped in tunnels, facing life-threatening situations.
The CJI responded,
“Yes, we have noticed the seriousness of the issue,”
The Court was considering a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by environmentalist Anamika Rana, which seeks guidelines and an inquiry to avert ecological disasters and protect the Himalayan States, especially in light of the recurring landslides and flash floods in the region.
The petition calls for the establishment of a special investigation team (SIT) comprising experts to investigate the causes of these disasters and to safeguard the fragile ecology of Himalayan States.
The petitioner pointed out several recent environmental calamities, including cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslips in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, which have resulted in fatalities.
The Court issued a notice on the petition and requested responses from various government entities, including the Central government, the National Disaster Management Authority, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, the National Highways Authority of India, and the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab.
The case is expected to be heard in two weeks.
The petition was submitted through advocate Shubham Upadhyay.
Recently, another Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice JB Pardiwala, cautioned that the rampant ecological degradation in Himachal Pradesh could result in the State’s disappearance.
This remark was made while dismissing a challenge from a private company regarding a June 2025 notification that designated Shri Tara Mata Hill as a green area, thereby prohibiting new private construction.
At that time, the Court also exercised its authority to initiate a suo motu public interest litigation concerning broader issues of environmental protection and climate vulnerability in the State.
Furthermore, it mandated both the State and Union governments to present action plans aimed at tackling the ongoing environmental crisis in Himachal Pradesh.
Case Title: Anamika Rana vs. Union of India and Ors.
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