New Delhi/Shimla:
The Himachal Pradesh Government has admitted before the Supreme Court that there are “shortcomings” in the current measures being taken to tackle the rising ecological imbalance in the state. The government has sought at least six months’ time to prepare a comprehensive roadmap to deal with the growing challenges of climate change, unregulated development, and natural disasters.
In an affidavit filed before the apex court, the state government stressed that identifying existing loopholes and creating a future-ready plan is essential to address the disastrous situations witnessed in recent years, including the devastation caused during the 2025 monsoon season.
State’s Stand in Court
When the matter titled “IN RE: Issues Relating to Ecology and Environmental Conditions Prevailing in the State of Himachal Pradesh by Court’s Motion” came up for hearing, Advocate General Anup Kumar Rattan and Additional Advocate General Vaibhav Srivastava informed a Bench led by Justice Vikram Nath that the government has already filed an affidavit detailing existing steps and proposed mechanisms.
The affidavit stated that the government plans to form a Core Group of officers, geologists, hydrologists, climate change experts, and community representatives. This group would examine the gaps in the present system and prepare a roadmap for sustainable development.
“A comprehensive roadmap is essential to deal with emerging challenges,” the government said, while requesting six months’ additional time from the Court.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
The Bench, also comprising Justice Sandeep Mehta, appointed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) to assist in the case. The matter has been posted for hearing after four weeks.
The affidavit underlined that Himachal Pradesh’s geography makes it highly vulnerable to landslides, earthquakes, and erratic rainfall. It noted that in recent years, the state has faced rising temperatures, melting glaciers, and altered rainfall patterns. In the 2025 monsoon alone, unusually heavy rains caused loss of human lives, damage to infrastructure, homes, and farmlands, particularly in fragile hill districts.
The government clarified that while it is committed to sustainable growth, “Himachal Pradesh alone cannot bear the burden of climate change impacts” and needs larger support. It also maintained that the state is not “non-compliant” and is making efforts in environmental protection and town planning.
Earlier Warning from SC
The Supreme Court had earlier expressed deep concern over Himachal Pradesh’s deteriorating ecology. On July 28, a Bench headed by Justice JB Pardiwala had issued a strong warning, observing that if unregulated construction and unchecked development continue, “the entire state may vanish in thin air from the map of India.”
“Revenue generation cannot come at the cost of environment and ecology. If things continue the way they are today, the day is not far when Himachal Pradesh may disappear from the country’s map,” the court had said.
The remark came during a case involving Pristine Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd, whose appeal was dismissed. The company had challenged the state government’s June 6, 2025 notification that declared Shri Tara Mata Hill as a “Green Area” and banned all private construction there. The Supreme Court upheld the notification, emphasizing the need to protect fragile ecosystems.
Following this, the court initiated a suo motu PIL and directed the Himachal Pradesh Government to submit a detailed status report within four weeks on measures taken to protect the environment.
