New Delhi: Considering the unprecedented landslides and flooding in states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the Supreme Court on Thursday sought the stand of the Centre, National Disaster Management Authority and others, and observed “illegal felling of trees led to the disasters”.
Observing a balance ought to be struck between “development and environment”, a bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran also issued notices to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) as well as the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
“We have seen unprecedented landslides and floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. From the media reports it is noticed that in the flood, a huge amount of wood was flowing along. Prima facie it appears that there has been illegal felling of trees. Thus, issue notice to respondents,” the CJI said.
The bench listed the plea filed by Anamika Rana for hearing after two weeks and asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure remedial measures.
“We have seen unprecedented landslides and floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. From the media reports it is noticed that in the flood a huge amount of wood was flowing along. Prima facie it appears that there has been illegal felling of trees. Thus issue notice to respondents. Returnable in two weeks…” the CJI said.
