The Supreme Court directs the Himachal Pradesh government to present a comprehensive reply on ecological destruction. The Court requests details on the damage triggered by cloudbursts and landslides as environmental havoc in Himachal.
It has specifically asked how much land has been diverted for non-forest use in the past 20 years.
Meanwhile, the court ordered specific data on tree species and details regarding the large-scale felling of trees.
The bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta has directed the state to submit its report by October 28.
The Court has observed that the entire Himalayan region is facing a severe crisis. This is due to the uncontrolled developmental activities aggravating natural disasters.
Additionally, the Court has asked for details of seismic and landslide zones.
With the detailed notifications on eco-sensitive zones, the number of trees planted, their survival rate and the utilisation of funds.
It has also sought studies on glacial melting, assessments of its future impacts and data on the number of four-lane highways in the state.
Additionally, there is the frequency of landslides and the steps taken by the government to address them.
Meanwhile, the court has demanded information on how many rivers have been subjected to projects.
Additionally, with comprehensive impact assessments, as well as the standards followed in mining and the use of heavy machinery.
The Court has also sought details about permissions for hotels and rental buildings, restrictions on multi-storey constructions and the number of cases filed under the Town Planning Act.
Justice Mehta has noted that this matter will not remain limited to Himachal Pradesh but will extend to the entire Himalayan region.
The Court is hearing the matter suo motu regarding ecological and environmental conditions in Himachal Pradesh.
Earlier, Justice JB Pardiwala had remarked that Himachal Pradesh could disappear from the map.
During the hearing related to the conservation of Tara Devi Hill in Shimla, the Court observed that uncontrolled development and increasing natural disasters could soon wipe out the state.
It said that for years, severe ecological imbalance has triggered massive calamities in Himachal Pradesh. This year too, floods and landslides have killed hundreds and destroyed thousands of properties. The Court said nature appears angered by human activities.
The Court observed that these environmental crises are primarily human-induced.
Furthermore, it stems from activities such as four-lane road construction with explosives and heavy equipment.
It noted climate change effects, including the accelerated retreat of Bara Shigri glacier, altered snowfall cycles, and unpredictable weather, destabilising the terrain.
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