New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has issued a stern warning over the mounting ecological damage in Himachal Pradesh, cautioning that unchecked human activity and reckless development could lead to the state “vanishing into thin air” if immediate corrective measures are not taken.
A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan made the strong observations while hearing a petition filed by a private hotel company against a June 2025 state government notification that designated the Shri Tara Mata Hill as a green area and banned all fresh private construction on the site. The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier dismissed the company’s challenge, prompting an appeal to the apex court.
In its hearing, the Supreme Court did not mince words, pointing to a broad range of human-induced environmental threats, including deforestation, rapid urbanization, rampant construction, and the expansion of hydropower and road projects.
“We want to impress upon the state government and the Union of India that earning revenue is not everything. Revenue cannot be earned at the cost of the environment and ecology,” the bench said.
Expressing grave concern, the judges added, “If things proceed the way they are as on this date, the day is not far when the entire state of Himachal Pradesh may vanish in thin air from the map of the country. God forbid this doesn’t happen.”
The court stressed that the ongoing environmental degradation is not due to nature alone but is largely driven by human actions. “The nature definitely is annoyed with the activities that are going on in Himachal Pradesh,” it observed.
Known for its pristine beauty, snow-capped peaks, and lush forests, Himachal Pradesh is among India’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing millions to hotspots like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Kasol, and McLeodganj every year. However, this heavy influx of tourists, combined with rising commercial activity, has strained the state’s fragile ecosystem.
“With forests encompassing more than 66 per cent of the total land area, Himachal Pradesh is renowned for its abundant beauty and greenery. But the danger to this natural richness is growing as a result of human greed and apathy,” the court noted.
The bench urged the Himachal Pradesh government to take a holistic and scientific approach to development. It recommended mandatory consultations with environmentalists, geologists, and local communities before initiating infrastructure and development projects.
This intervention by the apex court comes amid increasing signs of ecological distress in the Himalayan region, including frequent landslides and floods, as well as rising temperatures and melting glaciers, all of which are being exacerbated by human negligence and climate change.
