Has the SC Responded to the Increasing Natural Disasters in Himalayan States?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court has stepped in, addressing urgent concerns about rising disasters in the Himalayas. With increasing landslides and floods, a PIL has called for immediate government action. This pivotal case could reshape disaster management strategies for these vulnerable regions.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court's Intervention: The SC has taken notice of rising natural disasters.
- Urgent Government Action Needed: Both Union and state governments need robust disaster management strategies.
- Environmental Responsibilities: Key ministries must fulfill their roles in protecting the Himalayas.
- Formation of SIT: A proposed Special Investigation Team to address the issues.
- Himalayan States at Risk: Landslides and floods are increasingly common in these regions.
New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has issued a notice regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) aimed at addressing the escalating incidents of landslides, flash floods, and ecological deterioration in the Himalayan states.
“We have witnessed an extraordinary disaster due to heavy rainfall and flooding in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. Reports indicate that during the floods, numerous wooden logs were observed being carried away by the water,” remarked a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
The CJI Gavai-led Bench noted that “prima facie, it seems there has been illegal logging occurring in the hilly regions.”
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Centre, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the state governments of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, with a returnable period of two weeks.
The petition underscores the growing frequency of natural disasters and accuses both Union and state governments of lacking sufficient strategies to prevent or lessen the impact of these calamities.
“Despite having established Disaster Authorities, the Central and state governments have not devised plans to avert or reduce the losses stemming from these increasingly common disasters,” the petition claims.
It also highlights the neglect of hill road regulations and encroachments on water bodies as significant contributing factors.
The PIL further charges key ministries with neglecting their environmental duties.
“The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and the Ministry of Jal Shakti have failed to safeguard the pristine ecosystems and rivers of the Himalayan region from degradation,” the plea emphasizes.
The petition calls for immediate expert intervention and requests the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to explore the causes of these disasters, assign responsibilities, and recommend protective measures for the fragile ecology of the Himalayan area.
According to the computerized case status, the PIL is tentatively set for hearing on September 23.
Point of View
I believe this intervention by the Supreme Court is crucial for the Himalayan states. It highlights the urgent need for robust disaster management strategies. The increasing frequency of natural disasters demands immediate attention and comprehensive planning from both Union and state governments, ensuring the protection of both lives and the environment.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern of the PIL?
The PIL addresses the rising occurrences of natural disasters like landslides and floods in Himalayan states, highlighting inadequate government responses.
Which states are affected by the issues raised in the PIL?
The states affected include Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
What actions has the Supreme Court taken regarding the PIL?
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Central and state governments, as well as related authorities, asking for responses within two weeks.
What are the contributing factors to the natural disasters mentioned?
Factors include illegal logging, neglect of hill road regulations, and encroachments on water bodies.
What does the petition suggest for addressing these concerns?
The petition calls for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to analyze disaster causes and recommend protective measures.
