New Delhi, September 4
The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed serious concern about the floods in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab and observed that there is illegal felling of trees in the hills. A bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran said it was a serious matter while referring to videos of vast numbers of timber logs washed down the hills by flood waters in Himachal Pradesh.
The bench issued notices to the Centre through Ministries of Environment and Jal Shakti, National Disaster Management Authority, NHAI, states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir. The apex court posted the matter for hearing after two weeks. “We have seen unprecedented landslides and floods in Uttarakhad, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. From the media reports, it is also noted that during the flood, a huge number of wooden logs were flowing around. Prima facie, it appears that there has been illegal felling of the trees, which has been going on up hills,” observed CJI Gavai. We are seeing the pictures of Punjab; the entire fields and villages are eradicated. Development has to be balanced, said the bench. The apex court also asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to take note of the issue, adding that it appears a “grave issue”. “SG, please take note of this. It appears as a serious issue. A large number of wooden logs were seen to be falling around, and it shows illegal felling of trees,” said the bench.
IANS
