New Delhi, September 4, 2025:
The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed grave concern over what appeared to be large-scale illegal tree felling in the Himalayan region, after videos emerged showing timber logs floating in floodwaters in Himachal Pradesh.
A bench of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, while hearing a public interest litigation highlighting environmental degradation in the Himalayas, observed that the visuals were a disturbing indication of unlawful logging in the hills.
Court’s Observations
“We have seen unprecedented landslides and floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. From media reports, it is noticed that in the floodwaters, a huge number of wooden logs were flowing. Prima facie, it appears that illegal felling of trees has been taking place in the upper hills,” the bench remarked.
The court underlined that such indiscriminate deforestation has a direct nexus with recurring natural disasters in the fragile Himalayan belt.
The bench issued notices to:
• The Union of India through the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Jal Shakti,
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA),
• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI),
• The States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
CJI Gavai also orally emphasized the seriousness of the issue while addressing Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, stating, “It is a serious issue. In the media, we have seen a large number of wooden logs flowing in Himachal and Uttarakhand. Illegal tree felling is going on.”
Responding, the Solicitor General assured the court that he would immediately speak to the Environment Secretary and coordinate with the respective Chief Secretaries of the states concerned.
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel highlighted additional risks arising from infrastructure projects in the region. He pointed out that there are fourteen tunnels between Chandigarh and Manali, which turn into near “death traps” during heavy rainfall and landslides. He cited reports of at least 300 people being stranded inside a tunnel during recent floods, arguing that such incidents underscore the urgent need for stricter environmental safeguards and disaster preparedness.
Case Details
• Case Title: Anamika Rana v. Union of India
• Case No.: W.P.(C) No. 845/2025
The matter will now be taken up after responses from the Centre, state governments, and statutory authorities. The proceedings are expected to focus on the twin issues of unchecked deforestation and infrastructure vulnerabilities that have amplified the impact of natural calamities in the Himalayan states.
