New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Centre and the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir over the recent flood devastation caused by heavy rains and landslides. Expressing grave concern, a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran observed that the situation appears extremely serious, with evidence suggesting illegal tree felling as a contributing factor.

Referring to visuals of large numbers of timber logs being swept away by floodwaters in Himachal Pradesh, the court noted that uncontrolled deforestation in the hills could be worsening the crisis. “We have seen unprecedented landslides and floods… Prima facie, it appears that there has been illegal felling of trees. Thus, issue notice to the respondents,” CJI Gavai said, directing the states to submit their replies within three weeks.

The bench also issued notices to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Highlighting widespread devastation in Punjab, where villages and farmlands were submerged, the CJI stressed that development must be balanced with environmental protection.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, present during the hearing, echoed the court’s concern. “We have interfered with nature so much that nature is giving back now,” he said, assuring that he would immediately coordinate with the environment ministry and state authorities for remedial action.

The petition, filed by advocate Anamika Rana through counsels Akash Vashishtha and Shubham Upadhyay, urged the court to direct the framing of an action plan and order a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into the causes of recurring landslides and flash floods. It argued that despite dedicated disaster management authorities, governments have failed to prepare or implement preventive measures.

The plea also stated that ministries responsible for the Himalayan ecology, rivers, and environment have neglected their duties, causing irreversible damage. It emphasized that the petition was filed in the larger public interest to safeguard the constitutional Right to Life under Article 21 and ensure access to justice for residents of the Himalayan states.