The Supreme Court of India has issued a grave warning, stating that the ecological crisis currently affecting Himachal Pradesh is not an isolated incident but a symptom of a larger problem facing the entire Himalayan range. The court, which described the situation as “very violent” this time around, is set to pass an order on September 23 in a suo motu matter concerning the state’s environmental conditions.
Concerns Over Development and Climate Change
During the hearing, a report submitted by the Himachal Pradesh government acknowledged that recent devastations including high-intensity rainfall, flash floods, and landslides are manifestations of climate change. The report noted that while the number of glaciers in the state has remained stable, their total area has declined, indicating gradual shrinkage.
The court concerns center on the impact of large-scale development projects, such as hydropower installations, four-lane roads, and deforestation. While the state’s report downplayed the role of hydropower projects, stating that recent destructive events occurred in areas without them, the court had previously stated that experts and reports identified these projects as major causes of destruction.
The Tipping Point for the “Violent” Himalayas
In an earlier hearing on July 28, a different bench of the Supreme Court had issued a stark warning that the state might “vanish in thin air” if the situation didn’t change, emphasizing the “visible and alarming impact” of climate change. The latest report confirms this trend, documenting 434 extreme weather events in Himachal Pradesh between 2018 and 2025, which claimed 123 lives and significantly impacted rural communities.
The court decision to broaden its focus from just Himachal Pradesh to the entire Himalayan range reflects the growing consensus that unsustainable development and climate change are pushing this fragile ecosystem to a dangerous tipping point, with far-reaching consequences for the region and its people.