The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to several flood-affected states, raising serious concern over illegal tree-felling in the aftermath of widespread landslides and flooding across northern India.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India BR Gavai was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that alleged rampant deforestation as a key factor behind the recurring natural disasters. Observing that the country has witnessed “unprecedented rains and floods” this year, the court directed Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir to respond within three weeks.
Citing media reports, the bench noted evidence of large-scale logging in these states. “Prima facie, it is seen that there has been illegal felling of trees. We issue notice to the respondents, returnable within three weeks,” the Chief Justice remarked, according to Live Law.
The court also directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to examine the matter, describing it as a “very serious issue.” “The media has shown a large number of wooden blocks flowing downstream in Himachal Pradesh,” the bench observed.
Expressing concern over the scale of devastation, the CJI underlined the need for a balance between development and environmental protection. “We are seeking pictures from Punjab. Entire fields and villages have been eradicated. Development has to be balanced,” he said.
Recent weeks have seen severe flooding across northern states. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have faced heavy landslides and inundations, while Punjab is experiencing its worst floods in nearly four decades. According to official data, at least 37 people have died in Punjab, and over 4,000 residents of Jammu & Kashmir have been moved to relief camps.
In Delhi, the Yamuna River has risen above the danger mark, forcing authorities to relocate over 10,000 people from low-lying areas. Of them, 8,018 have been shifted to temporary tents, while 2,030 others have been accommodated in 13 permanent shelters.
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