Climate crisis: SC seeks Himachal’s response

Pointing out that all the states in the Himalayan region “are facing a serious existential crisis”, Supreme Court Tuesday posed a series of questions to Himachal Pradesh government, including whether the state has a climate change policy and details of disaster management plans.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said, “This monsoon season has seen unprecedented rain causing havoc in the fragile ecosystem of Himachal Pradesh. The deluge which has struck in various areas has caused widespread damage to life and property. A large number of homes/permanent structures/temporary buildings have been washed away under the destructive landslides… Evidently, the state of Himachal Pradesh and, for that matter, all the states in the Himalayan region are facing a serious existential crisis.”

Taking note of the loss of lives and ecological damage following the recent rain in Himachal Pradesh, the SC on July 28 registered a suo motu case and sought response from the state. After perusing the interim report filed by the state, Senior Advocate K Prameshwar and Advocate Akashi Lodha, who were appointed amicus curiae in the case, flagged several issues requiring the state’s response.

The top court also sought to know details of the number of mining operations/leases presently ongoing in the State and those which are pending approval as on date, and details of hotel/industries/short-term rental accommodations for which permissions have been granted by the state over the last 10 years.