Floating Logs: Supreme Court Issues Notice on Illegal Tree Felling to Centre, States, and NHAI
The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notices to the Centre, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Punjab over allegations that illegal tree felling has contributed to recent natural disasters in the Himalayan region.
A bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran was hearing a petition that cited illegal deforestation as a key factor behind the unprecedented landslides and floods witnessed in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Taking note of media reports showing large quantities of timber floating in floodwaters, the court observed that prima facie illegal logging may have played a role in aggravating the disasters.
“The country has witnessed unprecedented landslides and floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. Reports suggest that massive amounts of timber were carried away in the floods. At first glance, it appears that illegal felling of trees has taken place. Therefore, notices are being issued to the respondents, who must file their responses within two weeks,” the Chief Justice said.
The bench also sought responses from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The matter, filed by petitioner Anamika Rana, has been listed for further hearing in two weeks. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has been asked to ensure that corrective measures are examined.
— With PTI inputs
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