New Delhi, Sept 4: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought responses from the Centre and flood-hit states including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Punjab on allegations that illegal felling of trees has contributed to recent landslides and flash floods.
A bench of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, while hearing a plea filed by Anamika Rana, noted that media reports showed huge quantities of wood flowing in floods, indicating widespread deforestation. “Prima facie it appears there has been illegal felling of trees. Issue notice to respondents, returnable in two weeks,” the CJI said.
The court issued notices to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and state governments, directing Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure remedial measures.
Earlier this week, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared the entire state “disaster-hit” after widespread damage from flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides. The Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority reported 343 deaths since June 20, including 183 directly linked to rain-related disasters.
Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable regions to remain cautious as the monsoon remains active, while relief and restoration efforts continue across affected areas. (Agencies)
