SC Directs Himachal Pradesh Government on Disaster Management Measures

Context:

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Himachal Pradesh government to present a clear, comprehensive plan for disaster management, climate change adaptation, and tourism policies. The directive comes amid rising concerns over frequent landslides, flash floods, and infrastructure damage in the Himalayan state, especially after recent disasters caused by heavy rainfall.

Key Highlights

1. Supreme Court Directive
   • The SC asked the Himachal Pradesh government to provide complete clarity on:
     • Disaster management policies and preparedness.
     • Measures to mitigate climate change impacts.
     • Tourism regulations and policies.
     • Industrialization plans, including large-scale hydroelectric projects.
     • Status of four-lane highway projects.
     • Number of trees felled and processed during district-wise development projects.
2. Environmental Concerns
   • Bench led by Justice Vikram Nath questioned whether the state’s development policies consider ecological sensitivity, especially in the fragile Himalayan region.
   • SC highlighted issues of:
     • Unregulated construction and zoning.
     • Landslide-prone areas being used for infrastructure projects.
     • Impact on protected zones and national parks.
3. Key Questions Raised by SC
   • Whether zoning is done scientifically based on:
     • Seismic activity (earthquakes).
     • Landslides and slope stability.
     • Change in forest cover/ecological sensitivity.
   • Whether any ecologically sensitive areas have been opened for industrialization or tourism projects.
4. Green Cover Issue
   • Significant loss of designated forest areas in Himachal Pradesh:
     • Forest land diverted for non-forest purposes in the last two decades.
     • Resulting in higher vulnerability to floods and landslides.
5. Next Steps
   • The court has reserved its decision for the next hearing on October 28, emphasizing accountability and scientific planning.

Prelims Pointers

Term/Fact	Details
Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)	Areas notified around protected forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks to act as a buffer against unsustainable activities.
Himalayan Fragility	The region is highly prone to landslides, flash floods, and earthquakes due to fragile geology.
NDMA	National Disaster Management Authority, responsible for policy formulation and disaster response coordination.
Forest Diversion	Regulated under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.