New Delhi– The Supreme Court on Thursday took suo motu cognizance of the massive destruction caused by torrential rains and flooding across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, issuing notices to all four state governments.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) observed that the unprecedented monsoon deluge had resulted in extensive loss of lives, agriculture, and infrastructure, warning that unchecked environmental damage may have worsened the crisis. Reports of illegal deforestation were flagged as a possible factor behind the scale of devastation.
“We have seen entire fields and villages in Punjab wiped out. Development must be balanced with ecological safeguards,” the CJI remarked during the hearing. Expressing alarm over visuals from Himachal Pradesh showing wooden logs being swept away in flooded rivers, the bench questioned whether indiscriminate tree felling had intensified the disaster. “This appears to be a very serious issue,” the CJI added, while directing the Solicitor General to examine the matter closely.
The Solicitor General concurred, stating, “We have interfered with nature so much that now it is giving back.”
Stressing the need for sustainable development, the apex court emphasized that economic growth cannot come at the expense of environmental protection. It directed the state governments to file their responses within three weeks, outlining both the causes of the flooding and the relief, rehabilitation, and preventive measures being undertaken.
The matter will be heard next after the states submit their reports.
Supreme Court Pulls Up States Over Flood Devastation, Seeks Reports on Deforestation and Relief Measures
0 Comments 
