Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 24: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the fragile Himalayan ecosystem in the wake of this year’s devastating monsoons. The top court said all states in the Himalayan region are facing a serious existential crisis and sought detailed responses from the Himachal Pradesh government on its tourism, construction, and mining policies.

“This monsoon season has seen heavy, unprecedented rain causing havoc in the fragile ecosystem of Himachal Pradesh. The deluge that struck in various areas has caused widespread damage to life and property,” the court said. Numerous houses, including permanent and temporary structures, were washed away or destroyed in landslides. “Evidently, the state of Himachal Pradesh and, for that matter, all the states in the Himalayan Region are facing a serious existential crisis,” the court added.

The court has directed Himachal Pradesh to submit comprehensive replies by the next hearing on October 28, 2025, covering zoning for seismic activities and landslides, forest cover, compensatory afforestation, climate change policy, road data, hydroelectric and mining projects, tourism, and construction.

Earlier this month, the court had flagged deadly landslides and floods and raised concerns over illegal tree-felling, citing a video showing timber logs floating in floodwaters as evidence of unauthorized deforestation in the hills.