Himachal Pradesh has reported experiencing 434 extreme weather events in the past seven years, according to a statement made by the state government to the Supreme Court. These events have tragically resulted in the loss of 123 lives. The state government, represented by Advocate General Anup Rattan, informed a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta about the concerning situation.
The submission highlighted that the higher Himalayan regions, encompassing districts like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, and parts of Pangi, are facing severe consequences such as glacial retreat, reduced snowfall, and increased dryness. This alarming trend is significantly impacting water availability and the delicate alpine ecosystem. The middle Himalayas, which include areas like Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra, are experiencing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and a surge in flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, posing substantial threats to agriculture, forests, and human settlements. While the lower regions of Kangra, Una, and Sirmour are experiencing milder effects, they are still susceptible to heatwaves and inconsistent rainfall, which are negatively affecting agriculture and livelihoods.
The Supreme Court had previously taken suo motu notice of the deteriorating ecological and environmental conditions in Himachal Pradesh and had sought a comprehensive response from the state government, which was submitted in a detailed 162-page report. The court has cautioned that Himachal Pradesh could "vanish in thin air" if the ecological imbalance continues. The court observed that climate change is having a "visible and alarming impact" on the state and emphasized that earning revenue should not come at the cost of the environment and ecology.
Extreme weather events, including excess rainfall, unseasonal cyclones, droughts, and heatwaves, are increasing in both frequency and intensity across India. Rajinder Negi, an apple grower in Kotkhai, Himachal Pradesh, described the devastation, with crops rotting and roads blocked due to 45 cloudbursts, 91 flash floods, and 105 major landslides. Experts say that while climate change is a global driver, development activities in the country act as local amplifiers, exacerbating the impact of extreme weather. Urbanization, infrastructure development, and human habitation on mountain slopes increase the risk of landslides and flash floods.
The state has been declared "disaster-affected" under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, empowering the government to implement emergency relief and rehabilitation measures. However, this declaration is at the state level, limiting access to funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) unless the Union Government declares it a national disaster or provides a special relief package. Chief Minister Sukhu has emphasized the urgent need for special financial assistance, citing 231 extreme weather events in a single season.
The western Himalayas have been severely affected, with shifting wind patterns fueling extreme weather events. Between June 1 and September 5, 2025, rainfall in Uttarakhand exceeded normal levels by 24%, leading to flash floods and landslides. Himachal Pradesh recorded 68% excess rainfall in August 2025, the highest since 1949. The state has witnessed a series of extreme weather events, including heavy rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods, since the monsoon season began on May 24.
Mandi is now one of the worst-hit districts due to extreme rainfall events in the Himalayas. Almost one-third of the total fatalities were from Mandi, which also suffered maximum property damage. In June and July, over 15 cloudbursts hit the area, leaving a trail of destruction.
The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events (EREs) in Himachal Pradesh are triggering landslides and flash floods. These events are often localized and intense, resulting in significant damage in the Himalayan region. Analysis indicates that almost 90% of extreme events occur during the monsoon season.
The state government has declared Himachal Pradesh a disaster-hit state, estimating cumulative damages at over Rs 20,000 crore over the past three years and is seeking urgent financial assistance from the Centre. The monsoon season has claimed 427 lives, with 243 deaths attributed to rain-related disasters. Public infrastructure has been severely impacted, with hundreds of roads blocked and disruptions to power and water supply.
