What is the Supreme Court's role in the Himachal Pradesh environmental crisis?

The Supreme Court has voiced grave concern over the severe ecological imbalances in Himachal Pradesh and directed the registry to file a public interest writ petition to address the environmental crisis in the state.

How is rampant development, not climate change, pushing the Himalayas to the edge?

The article highlights that issues such as lack of scientific rigour in environmental impact assessments, unregulated construction around rivers and streams, and faulty planning of national highway projects have all contributed to the ecological disaster in Himachal Pradesh, rather than climate change alone.

What are some of the key environmental policies and regulations in Himachal Pradesh that have failed to deliver on the ground?

The article mentions that Himachal Pradesh has a robust mandate for sustainable development through various laws, policies, rules, and regulations, but the implementation has been perfunctory and lacking in sincerity.

Home / Environment / Supreme Court Intervenes as Himachal Pradesh Faces Ecological Disaster

Supreme Court Intervenes as Himachal Pradesh Faces Ecological Disaster

23 Oct

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Summary

Supreme Court voices grave concern over ecological crisis in Himachal Pradesh
Court directs registry to file public interest writ petition on environmental issues
Rampant development, not climate change, pushing Himalayas to the edge

Supreme Court Intervenes as Himachal Pradesh Faces Ecological Disaster

On July 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of India voiced its grave concern over the ecological disaster unfolding in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Court's observations came during a hearing on a writ petition (SLP(C) No.19426/2025) filed by a private hotel company against the state government's decision to add a green belt to the development plan for the Shimla planning area.

Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan expressed their alarm at the severe ecological imbalances and environmental conditions that have led to a series of natural calamities in the state over the years. The judges stated that earning revenue cannot be the sole priority, as it cannot be achieved at the cost of the environment and ecology. They warned that if the current trajectory continues, the entire state of Himachal Pradesh may vanish from the map of the country.