August 1, 2025

In a strongly worded warning that echoes the growing ecological crisis in India’s hill states, the Supreme Court of India has cautioned that if unregulated development continues in Himachal Pradesh, the entire state may vanish from the map.

 

A bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan made these remarks while hearing a case concerning the environmental protection of Shri Tara Devi Hill in Shimla, and more broadly, the fragile ecology of the Himalayan region.

 

While upholding the Himachal Pradesh Government’s decision to declare Shri Tara Devi Hill a green area, the Court questioned the model of development being pursued in the state, observing:

 

 

The court emphasized that development without sustainability is a recipe for disaster, especially in an ecologically delicate terrain like Himachal Pradesh, which has already witnessed deadly landslides, floods, and erosion in recent years.

 

The remarks were made during the hearing of:

 

 

The petitioner had challenged a June 2025 notification by the State Government that prohibited further construction on the Tara Devi Hill. The Court upheld the notification, calling it “a step in the right direction” to protect the environment.

 

The bench expressed grave concern over how hill towns like Shimla, Manali, and Kullu are turning into unsafe zones due to haphazard construction and hill cutting. The Justices stressed that ecology must take precedence over economic expediency, especially in tourist-heavy zones.

 

“We are not against development,” Justice Pardiwala said, “but there must be balance. Revenue can’t justify irreversible damage.”

 

This ruling comes against the backdrop of recurring natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh massive landslides, cloudbursts, and destruction of infrastructure which scientists link to both climate change and unscientific development. The apex court’s warning adds judicial weight to growing calls for revising urban planning and environmental clearance norms in hill regions.