Himachal Pradesh is facing severe floods and landslides, leading to loss of lives and property. The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the growing natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh. It said that the situation has gone from bad to worse due to ongoing ecological damage in the state.
The Supreme Court appreciated the intention behind notifications like the one issued on June 6, 2025, which declared some areas as green zones. However, the Bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan said “…but we are afraid to say that it is too late in the day for the state to issue such notifications and try to save the situation.”
The Bench said, “The situation in the State of Himachal Pradesh has gone from bad to worse. The severe ecological imbalance and other environmental conditions have led to serious natural calamities over a period of years. This year also hundreds of people perished in the floods and landslides & thousands of properties got destroyed. Nature definitely is annoyed with the activities which are going on in the State of HP.”
The Bench said, “It is not right to blame only nature for the disaster in Himachal Pradesh. Humans, not nature, are responsible for phenomenon such as continuous landsliding of mountains and soil, land-slides on roads, collapsing of houses and buildings, subsidence of road etc.”
Refering to experts and several reports, it said, “…the major causes of destruction in the state of Himachal Pradesh are Hydro Power Projects, four-lane roads, deforestation, multi-storey buildings etc. The state of HP is nestled in the lap of the Himalayan Mountains. It is important to seek the opinion of geologists, environmental experts and local people before any development project is undertaken here.”
The Bench supported the High Court’s decision to reject M/s Pristine Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd’s challenge to the June 6, 2025 notification that declared Shri Tara Mata Hill a “Green Area.”
The Supreme Court noted that nature has blessed Himachal Pradesh with great beauty; its tall mountains, rich plant life, and cool climate draw tourists from across the country.
“Taking advantage of this natural beauty, the Government started constructing four lane roads to promote it as a tourist destination. To build these roads heavy machinery and explosives materials were used according to various reports to cut the mountains due to which the natural balance of the place has started to deteriorate,” it noted.
“With forests encompassing more than 66 per cent of the total land area, Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its abundant beauty and greenery. But the danger to this natural richness is growing as a result of human greed and apathy. There are numerous environment-related issues, direct or indirect, facing the State of HP. Because of its delicate mountainous geography, the State is at risk for earthquakes, flashfloods, and landslides. With projects like Bhakra, Nathpa Jhakri, and several other projects set up on major rivers, i.e. Beas, Sutlej, Chenab, Ravi, Yamuna, both in the public and private sectors, it's also a major hydroelectric power hub that makes a substantial contribution to India's renewable energy,” the Bench said.
However, it said, “…unrelenting building, tunnel, and road construction, frequently done without sufficient environmental planning, has increased the area's susceptibility to natural disasters and the effects of climate change. Ecological diversity and growing human demands necessitate immediate sustainable planning and conservation measures.”
Follow us
