Himachal Pradesh at Risk of "Vanishing in Thin Air" Due to Ecological Imbalance, Warns Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has warned that Himachal Pradesh may "vanish in thin air" due to ecological imbalance caused by climate change and human activities. The court emphasized the importance of protecting the environment and ecology, and cautioned that revenue cannot be earned at the cost of the environment. The situation in the state has gone from bad to worse, with severe ecological imbalance and environmental conditions leading to natural calamities. The court noted that humans are responsible for the destruction in the state, citing hydropower projects, deforestation, and multi-storey buildings as major causes.

The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning to Himachal Pradesh, cautioning that the state may "vanish in thin air" if the current ecological imbalance and environmental degradation continue unchecked. The court's remarks, made on July 28, highlight the severe ecological issues plaguing the state, including climate change and human activities.

The apex court observed that the situation in Himachal Pradesh has deteriorated, with severe ecological imbalance leading to natural calamities such as landslides, soil erosion, and building collapses. The court emphasized that the state's natural beauty and greenery are under threat due to human greed and apathy. It cited hydropower projects, deforestation, multi-storey buildings, and unplanned infrastructure development as major causes of the environmental crisis.

The court noted that while Himachal Pradesh is often referred to as the "power state" of India due to its significant hydropower potential, the large-scale construction of dams, reservoirs, and tunnels comes with considerable environmental costs. The state has been witnessing rising average temperatures, shifting snowfall patterns, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, all of which threaten the environment and livelihoods of local communities.

The court also flagged forest fires, encroachments, overgrazing, and the expansion of agricultural and urban areas as contributing factors to the ecological imbalance. The pace of infrastructure development in the state has intensified in recent years, driven by the twin goals of connectivity and tourism. However, the court noted that projects like four-lane highways, ropeways, tunnels, and urban expansions often bypass environmental safeguards.

Tourism, a major source of income for Himachal Pradesh, is also straining the state's environment. The court cautioned that if left unchecked, the pressure from tourism could severely undermine the ecological and social fabric of the state.

The court emphasized the need for all Himalayan states to collaborate and share resources and expertise to ensure that development plans are cognizant of the unique challenges posed by the region. It directed the state to file an appropriate reply explaining its action plan to address the issues raised and what it proposes to do in the future.

The court's warning underscores the urgent need for Himachal Pradesh to prioritize environmental protection and sustainability over short-term economic gains. The state must take immediate and effective action to mitigate the ecological imbalance and prevent the dire consequences predicted by the court.

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/himachal-may-vanish-in-thin-air-amid-ecological-imbalance-warns-sc-125080101399_1.html
[2] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/sc-flags-ecological-imbalance-in-himachal-pradesh-warns-state-may-vanish-in-thin-air-101754051680391.html