Entire Himalayan range facing ecological crisis: SC

The recent devastations in the form of high-intensity rainfall, cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, variations in snowfall patterns, and receding glaciers were manifestations of climate change, an undeniable global phenomenon resulting from extensive industrialization, rising greenhouse gas emissions and unsustainable practices at regional, national and global levels

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The Supreme Court Monday said the issue concerning ecology and environmental conditions was not going to be limited to Himachal Pradesh only as the entire Himalayan range, which was “very violent” this time, was facing it.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said it would pass its order September 23 in the suo motu matter concerning issues relating to ecology and environmental conditions prevailing in Himachal Pradesh.

“Ultimately, it is not going to be limited to Himachal only. It is the entire Himalayan range that is facing this. This time around, it has been very very violent,” Justice Mehta observed.

During the hearing, Himachal Pradesh’s advocate general and additional advocate general informed the bench about a report filed by the state in the matter.

“We will give you a brief order after summarising everything so that you can get specific instructions,” the bench said.

Senior advocate K Parmeshwar, who is assisting the court as an amicus curiae in the matter, said the report filed by the state covered many aspects, including tree cover.