In a stern and sobering message, the Supreme Court of India has expressed deep concern over the alarming environmental degradation in Himachal Pradesh, warning that the state may one day “vanish in thin air” if corrective action is not taken urgently.
While hearing a petition challenging a Himachal Pradesh High Court order, a bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan made several sharp observations about the deteriorating ecological state of Himachal Pradesh, calling for immediate intervention from both the state and central governments.
A Dire Warning
“The situation in Himachal Pradesh has gone from bad to worse,” the bench noted, emphasizing that climate change is already having a “visible and alarming impact” on the hill state. Drawing attention to unchecked development, deforestation, and rampant construction, the court remarked that if things continue in the current trajectory, “the day is not far when the entire state of Himachal Pradesh may vanish in thin air from the map of the country.”
The court’s comments came during its decision to not interfere with a June 2025 Himachal Pradesh government notification that declared certain regions as “green areas” to restrict construction activities. While dismissing the appeal, the bench emphasized that environmental preservation must take precedence over economic gain.
“Revenue cannot be earned at the cost of environment and ecology,” the justices stated, clearly articulating the court’s position that sustainability must form the core of development policy, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like Himachal Pradesh.
Nature is Fighting Back
The bench stressed that blaming nature for disasters is misplaced. “It is not right to blame only nature,” the court said. “Humans, not nature, are responsible for phenomena such as continuous landslides, collapsing of roads and buildings, and soil subsidence.”
Reports and expert assessments cited by the court pointed to the major causes of ecological degradation: construction of large-scale hydropower projects, uncontrolled expansion of four-lane highways, deforestation, and unregulated urbanization. The justices noted that such unrelenting infrastructure activity has significantly increased the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
“Himachal Pradesh is nestled in the lap of the Himalayan mountains. It is crucial to consult geologists, environmental experts, and local communities before initiating any development project,” the bench advised.
Once known for its pristine forests and cool mountain air, Himachal Pradesh now finds itself grappling with the consequences of overdevelopment and over-tourism. With forests covering over 66% of the state’s land, the natural beauty of Himachal has been a major draw for tourists. But the Supreme Court warned that this beauty is under threat from human greed and indifference.
The government’s drive to promote tourism by building roads, ropeways, tunnels, and urban expansions has often bypassed environmental norms, the court observed. The unchecked rise of tourism has strained local ecosystems and services, leaving the environment in a fragile state.
“Tourism is a key source of income, but if left unchecked, it can severely undermine the ecological and social fabric of the state,” the bench warned.
Climate Change Intensifies the Threat for Himachal Pradesh
The bench also highlighted that Himachal Pradesh, like many Himalayan states, is witnessing the harsh effects of climate change: rising temperatures, changing snowfall patterns, and an increase in extreme weather events.
These changes threaten not just the environment but also the livelihoods of farmers, horticulturists, and communities dependent on eco-tourism.
Forest fires, overgrazing, encroachments, and the expansion of agriculture and urban areas were also flagged as critical environmental challenges that need urgent attention.
While acknowledging that considerable damage has already occurred, the court invoked the old saying, “something is better than nothing,” to emphasize the need for immediate remedial steps.
Call for Collective Action
Recognizing the unique challenges of the Himalayan region, the Supreme Court also called for collaboration among all Himalayan states. It emphasized the need to pool expertise and resources to ensure that development aligns with environmental sustainability.
“All we want to convey is that it is high time the state of Himachal Pradesh pays attention to these issues and begins taking action in the right direction,” the bench said.
The court added that the Union government also bears responsibility in preventing further ecological imbalance and ensuring natural disasters are minimized in the state.
The Supreme Court directed the registry to register a suo motu public interest writ petition on the matter. It also instructed the state government to submit a detailed response outlining its action plan to address the environmental challenges discussed.
