Himachal Pradesh on the Brink: Supreme Court Sounds Alarm on Ecological Crisis

The Supreme Court has issued a stark warning about the escalating ecological crisis in Himachal Pradesh, noting that the state could potentially 'vanish in thin air' if urgent actions are not implemented. On July 28, while dismissing a plea related to a green area notification, the court emphasized the alarming impact of climate change.

Highlighting human activities such as the construction of hydropower projects and roads, the court remarked on the deteriorating ecological conditions leading to natural calamities. With Himachal Pradesh facing rising temperatures and extreme weather events, the bench stressed the need for geological assessments and tailored solutions before embarking on development projects.

Tourism, a major economic driver in the state, also came under scrutiny for its environmental strain. The court urged both state and central governments to address these concerns, insisting on the importance of balancing development with conservation to protect the region's ecological and social fabric.

(With inputs from agencies.)