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1h ago

Supreme Court Flags Suspected Illegal Tree Felling After Flood Videos, Seeks Replies in Two Weeks

The bench treated timber-laden flood visuals as prima facie evidence requiring a coordinated response within a fortnight.

The Supreme Court has also issued notices to seek response from the state governments of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Punjab.
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The court’s concern comes at a time when large parts of north India are reeling under the onslaught of extreme monsoon weather. (PTi photo)

Overview

  • The court issued notices to the Environment Ministry, NDMA, NHAI, the Ministries of Jal Shakti and Road Transport, and the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bench cited videos of large timber logs in floodwaters as indicating prima facie unlawful felling uphill in the Himalayan region.
  • Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said he will take up the matter with the Environment Secretary and coordinate with state chief secretaries on remedial steps.
  • The plea, filed by Anamika Rana of Panchkula, seeks action plans, a Special Investigation Team probe, and scientific studies on recurring landslides and flash floods.
  • The matter has been listed for hearing in two weeks as the court emphasized sustainable development with adequate mitigating measures.