SC Warns of Himalayan Deforestation Linking Floods to Illegally Felled Trees

Swift Summary

• Supreme Court Concern: On September 4, 2025, the Supreme Court expressed anguish over repeated flash floods in North Indian states (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab) and illegal felling of Himalayan trees visible through logs floating in rivers during floods.
• Chief Justice’s Observation: Chief Justice B.R. Gavai warned that continued deforestation could lead to the loss of forests. He emphasized development should not come at the cost of lives and the environment.
• Solicitor General’s Response: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta committed to discussing solutions with the Environment Secretary and coordinating with State Chief Secretaries. He acknowledged nature’s disasters as a “payback.”
• Impact on Infrastructure: A petition highlighted unsafe infrastructure like 14 tunnels between Chandigarh-Manali turning into death traps during floods; at least 300 people stranded recently.
• Court Action: The Supreme Court issued notice to NHAI concerning tunnel safety issues and listed further deliberation in two weeks on preventing disasters through action plans.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores growing concerns about environmental degradation exacerbating natural calamities.Illegal deforestation visibly intensifies ecological fragility in flood-hit areas of North India. The instance of logs floating downstream symbolizes unchecked exploitation amidst increased disaster frequency-described rightly as nature “giving back.”

Coordination among central institutions like NHAI, state governments, and environment authorities remains crucial for implementing sustainable development practices without compromising human safety or ecological stability. Additionally, addressing structural vulnerabilities such as unreliable tunnels reflects an immediate need for risk-assessment frameworks that prioritize resilience against extreme weather events.

Proactive measures including eco-friendly policies combined with strict enforcement against illegal activities might offer hope for preserving India’s iconic Himalayan landscape from irreparable damage while safeguarding lives.

Read More: The Hindu