Supreme Court Flags Illegal Tree Felling, Seeks Response from Centre and States on Floods

Supreme Court Flags Illegal Tree Felling Amid North India Flood Crisis, Issues Notice to Centre and States.

Severe floods have wreaked havoc across north India and the national capital, prompting the Supreme Court on Thursday to take suo motu cognisance of illegal tree felling in the hills. The court noted that environmental laws appear to be openly violated and issued notices to the Centre and four states: Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir.

A bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran emphasized that development and environmental protection must go hand in hand.

“We have seen unprecedented rains and flooding. Prima facie, it appears that illegal felling of trees has taken place. This is a very serious issue,” said Chief Justice Gavai. He added that entire fields and villages in Punjab seem to have been wiped out.

Referring to media reports showing large wooden logs floating in Himachal rivers, the court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to obtain government instructions on tackling the issue and directed responses within three weeks. The Solicitor General remarked, “Unfortunately, we have played with nature too much… now it is hitting back.”

Fierce Monsoon Ravages North India

The unusually intense monsoon has triggered widespread floods, landslides, and devastation across the region:

Himachal Pradesh: August saw the highest rainfall since 1949, causing floods, landslides, and land subsidence. Over 340 lives have been lost, with many still missing.

Uttarakhand: Torrential rains led to flash floods and landslides; rivers including the Ganga, Alaknanda, and Mandakini are at or above danger levels. More than 80 deaths reported.

Jammu & Kashmir: Successive cloudbursts triggered flash floods and landslides in Ramban and Reasi, stranding thousands and repeatedly suspending the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage.

Punjab: Facing its worst floods in nearly 40 years, over 1,400 villages submerged, affecting 3.5 lakh residents and 3.7 lakh acres of farmland.

Delhi: Urban flooding worsened by Yamuna breaching the danger mark, submerging low-lying areas, displacing residents, and disrupting infrastructure.

The Supreme Court’s notice underscores the link between environmental degradation and disaster vulnerability, highlighting the urgent need for strict enforcement of laws against illegal deforestation.