The Supreme Court of India has taken a strong stance on the escalating environmental crisis in the Himalayan region, initiating a probe into alleged violations of green norms in developmental projects. This decision comes amid increasing concerns about the devastating impact of recent floods and landslides in the area, with suspicion falling on unchecked construction, deforestation, and regulatory oversight as contributing factors.
The court's concern was evident during a recent hearing, where a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice K Vinod Chandran addressed disturbing visuals of timber logs swept away in swollen rivers across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. The bench raised serious questions about unauthorized tree felling, highlighting the need to balance ecological preservation with infrastructure development. "We cannot afford to tamper with nature endlessly. Nature is now pushing back," the Chief Justice remarked.
The court has issued notices to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab, seeking their responses. The case is scheduled for further hearing in two weeks.
This intervention follows a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by environmentalist Anamika Rana, who sought a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate the causes of the recent disasters, including the potential role of reckless construction and deforestation. The petition also accuses central and state disaster management agencies of failing to implement pre-emptive measures despite knowing the region's vulnerability.
The Supreme Court's move underscores the severe ecological challenges facing the Himalayas, a region vital for its biodiversity, distinct climate conditions, and as the source of several major Asian rivers. The Himalayas, often called the "Third Pole," are inherently vulnerable to heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides due to their growing mountains and seismic activity. Climate change exacerbates these vulnerabilities, causing glacier retreat, altered precipitation, and increased extreme weather events.
The environmental issues in the Himalayas are multifaceted. Deforestation, driven by logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development, leads to habitat loss and soil erosion, increasing the risk of landslides. The growth of invasive species further disrupts the delicate ecosystem. Unplanned tourism, mining, and the construction of roads and dams also contribute to environmental deterioration.
The consequences of these environmental violations are far-reaching. The Himalayan glaciers are melting at an alarming rate due to global warming, threatening water supplies to major rivers like the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra. Changes in precipitation patterns are also causing hydrological alterations, impacting water availability and agricultural productivity. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as hailstorms, floods, and droughts, leads to loss of life, crops, and infrastructure.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Supreme Court has previously voiced its concerns about the deteriorating environmental conditions in the Himalayan states. The court has emphasized the need for Himalayan states to collate resources and expertise to ensure development plans are mindful of environmental challenges. It has also stated that the Union government has a responsibility to ensure the ecological balance in the region is not further disturbed.
The court's intervention signals a crucial step towards addressing the environmental crisis in the Himalayas. By probing the violations of green norms and seeking accountability from relevant authorities, the Supreme Court aims to strike a balance between development and ecological preservation, ensuring a sustainable future for this fragile and vital region.
