New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that the unprecedented landslides and floods in rain-affected states of Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir this season were due to ecological crisis precipitated due to rampant felling of trees for illegal construction. The top court issued notice to the Centre, NDMA and the affected states directing them to list the measures taken to address the matter.
The states have been asked to reply to the notice within three weeks.
“We have seen unprecedented landslides and floods in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. From the media reports it is noticed that in the flood a huge number of wood was flowing along. Prima facie it appears that there has been illegal felling of trees. Thus issue notice to respondents. Returnable in two weeks. Liberty to serve central agencies. NHAI is a party,” CJI BR Gavai said.
The top court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to ensure remedial measures.
“SG please take note of this. It appears a very serious issue,” the bench headed by CJI Gavai said.
