The Supreme Court of India has issued a stark warning regarding the ecological state of Himachal Pradesh, suggesting that the state could "vanish in thin air" if the current trend of environmental degradation continues. This alarming statement was delivered by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan while hearing a case concerning environmental protection. The court's concern stems from a multitude of factors, including rampant construction, road expansion, hydropower projects, deforestation, and unsustainable tourism, all of which contribute to severe ecological imbalance and an increased frequency of natural disasters.
The court was addressing a petition against an order of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which had refused to interfere with a notification from June 2025 designating certain areas as "green areas". While the Supreme Court also declined to intervene with the High Court's order, it emphasized the need to protect the environment and expressed concern that the notification might be "too late" to reverse the damage already done. The court has directed its registry to register a writ petition in public interest in this regard and expects the state to file a reply explaining their action plan within four weeks. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 25.
The Supreme Court highlighted the visible and alarming impacts of climate change on Himachal Pradesh, including rising average temperatures, shifting snowfall patterns, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events. The retreat of glaciers, a primary water source for many rivers in the region, raises the risk of glacial lake outburst floods. The biggest Bara Shigri glacier in Lahaul Spiti has shrunk by approximately 2-2.5 kilometers. Unseasonal rainfall and prolonged dry spells are affecting agriculture and water availability, while erratic weather patterns destabilize slopes and harm biodiversity.
The court specifically pointed to the detrimental effects of unrelenting construction, tunnel and road construction, often carried out without adequate environmental planning. The use of heavy machinery and explosives to cut through mountains for road construction has disturbed the natural balance. This, coupled with deforestation and loss of forest cover, weakens the soil and increases the risk of landslides and erosion. The removal of forest guard check posts has also exacerbated illegal tree felling. The court observed that forests play a vital role in regulating local climate, sequestering carbon, and maintaining the water cycle, making their protection essential.
The court acknowledged that tourism is a major source of income for Himachal Pradesh, but cautioned that its uncontrolled growth is straining the state's environment. Unchecked tourism could severely undermine the ecological and social fabric of the state, leading to garbage dumping, illegal construction, and environmental collapse in popular areas. The court also noted that hydropower projects, while a source of renewable energy, come with considerable environmental costs due to the large-scale construction of dams, reservoirs, and tunnels.
The Supreme Court stressed that earning revenue cannot come at the cost of the environment and ecology. It is essential to strike a balance between development and sustainability, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like Himachal Pradesh. The court has directed the State and Union governments to file action plans addressing the environmental crisis. The court has stayed the order of removing thousands of fruit-bearing apple trees from encroached forest lands, balancing environmental protection and local livelihoods dependent on apple farming. All Himalayan states need to consolidate resources and expertise to ensure that development plans acknowledge these challenges. The Supreme Court's warning serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for sustainable development and responsible environmental stewardship in Himachal Pradesh.
