Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), July 18: Himachal Pradesh Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi has announced that the state government will approach the Supreme Court to challenge a High Court directive that has led to the mass cutting of fruit-bearing and green trees on encroached forest lands.
Describing the felling of decades-old trees as “environmentally disastrous,” Negi told ANI, “Nowhere in the country is green felling permitted. Eviction of illegal encroachments is being carried out, but cutting decades-old fruit-bearing trees is not justified.”
Negi emphasized that while the government is complying with the High Court’s eviction order, it is deeply concerned about the environmental consequences of removing mature trees — especially in the face of heavy monsoon rains, landslides, and floods.
“Trees over 50 to 60 years old are being cut down. Be it fruit-bearing or otherwise, a tree is a tree. This kind of action is unprecedented and should raise serious environmental alarms,” he said, adding that the state will petition the Supreme Court to seek a more balanced resolution that preserves green cover while addressing illegal land encroachments.
The minister warned that large-scale tree removal could lead to soil erosion, increase flood risks, and cause downstream destruction. He urged the judiciary to distinguish between illegal possession and the preservation of valuable green assets and called on the Centre to create an environmentally sound national policy for eviction.
Post-Monsoon Restoration Efforts in Full Swing
Negi also provided updates on Himachal Pradesh’s recovery efforts following monsoon-related devastation. All national highways have been reopened, including the Manali Highway and NH-707. However, about 250 link roads remain blocked and are under restoration.
Power supply has improved significantly, with 81 electricity schemes functional as of today, up from 73 a day prior. Drinking water supply has also seen progress, with only 61 schemes still disrupted, compared to over 700 a week ago.
Casualties and Damages So Far
Since June 20, 65 people have died due to floods and cloudbursts, and 45 have been killed in road accidents. Over 23,000 livestock deaths have been reported. In total, 493 houses have been fully destroyed, and 1,100 partially damaged. Additionally, 306 shops, 81 labour sheds, and over 1,300 cow shelters have been wiped out. More than 200 schools were also damaged, prompting the use of temporary facilities to continue classes.
Inquiry Ordered into Shrikhand Mahadev Pilgrim Death
Negi also confirmed an SDM-level probe into the death of a youth from Chandigarh during the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Kullu district. Allegations have surfaced that porters overcharged pilgrims, demanding up to ₹20,000 per person.
The minister ordered that the amount be refunded to the victim’s family and questioned the absence of medical and rescue personnel along the pilgrimage route. “The administration must ensure timely evacuation and medical support to pilgrims in distress,” he asserted.