"All States In Himalayan Region Facing Existential Crisis": Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has issued a critical observation regarding the delicate Himalayan ecosystem amidst the recent monsoon devastation. According to the highest court, all states within the Himalayan region are currently experiencing a profound existential crisis. In light of this situation, the court has directed several inquiries to the Himachal Pradesh government concerning its regulatory policies on tourism, construction activities, and mining operations.

This judicial commentary follows catastrophic monsoon events in the higher elevations of numerous hill stations. Multiple towns across Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have suffered severely from cloudbursts and landslides, significantly affecting local residents whose livelihoods depend primarily on tourism revenue.

"The current monsoon season has witnessed extraordinary precipitation causing widespread destruction throughout Himachal Pradesh's vulnerable ecosystem. The flooding that occurred in various regions has resulted in extensive damage to both human life and property," stated the court.

The court observed that during this calamitous period, numerous dwellings, including permanent structures and temporary accommodations, were either washed away completely or buried beneath devastating landslides. "It is evident that Himachal Pradesh, along with all other states in the Himalayan Region, is confronting a serious existential crisis," the court emphasized.

Subsequently, the court instructed Himachal Pradesh to submit comprehensive responses addressing a broad spectrum of concerns related to its fragile ecological balance and environmental conditions.

These inquiries focused on seismic activity and landslide zoning, forest coverage and management, compensatory afforestation initiatives, climate change policy implementation, road infrastructure data, hydroelectric and mining project assessments, tourism management, and construction regulations.

The state has been mandated to provide these detailed reports before the next scheduled hearing on October 28, 2025.

Earlier this month, the court had highlighted the deadly occurrences of landslides and floods, while also addressing the issue of illegal deforestation. Referencing video footage showing timber logs floating in Himachal Pradesh's floodwaters, the court noted evidence of unauthorized tree cutting activities in the mountainous regions.