The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the recent devastating floods and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, observing that they appear to be linked to illegal tree felling. A bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai noted that video evidence showing a large number of timber logs floating in floodwaters in Himachal Pradesh strongly suggests that illegal logging is a contributing factor.
The court has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI), and the state governments of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. The CJI emphasized the gravity of the situation, telling Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that “development has to be balanced with mitigating measures.”
Plea Alleges Illegal Logging is Main Cause of Disasters
The court’s action was prompted by a plea filed by Anamika Rana, who argued that illegal tree felling is a primary cause of these disasters. The petition calls for an action plan and a special investigation team (SIT) to determine the reasons for the landslides and floods and to recommend measures to prevent future occurrences. It also highlights the lack of a proper plan from both central and state disaster authorities to prevent or mitigate these frequent disasters.
The plea also seeks the formation of an independent expert committee to investigate all road and highway projects in the Himalayan states where landslides have occurred, as well as to assess the causes of floods in rivers and other water bodies. The matter has been scheduled for a hearing in two weeks.
Widespread Damage and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The severe weather has caused immense devastation across the region:
- Himachal Pradesh: The death toll from a landslide in Sundernagar has risen to seven, and two people are feared dead after houses collapsed in Kullu. The state’s Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has ordered the evacuation of stranded pilgrims and requested the Indian Air Force’s assistance. All schools and colleges have been closed until September 7 as a precautionary measure.
- Jammu and Kashmir: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine pilgrimage has been suspended for ten consecutive days. The region has been hit by cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, with the Jammu-Srinagar highway and other major roads remaining closed, leaving over 3,500 vehicles stranded. An inter-ministerial team from the central government is currently on the ground to assess the damages.
- Punjab: The state has declared itself a disaster-hit area, with 37 people having lost their lives. The state government has released ₹71 crore for immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts as rescue operations continue.