The Supreme Court of India has directed the government of Himachal Pradesh to provide detailed information on its climate change policy, disaster management plans, and measures to protect the state’s fragile ecological system. The court’s directive comes in response to the devastating effects of the current monsoon season, which has caused widespread damage to life and property in the state. The court has expressed concern over the existential crisis faced by the state and the Himalayan region due to climate change.
The court has asked the state government to provide answers to a comprehensive questionnaire, which includes details on zoning, tree cover, compensatory afforestation, climate change, disaster management plans, roads, hydroelectric projects, mining, and tourism. The government has been asked to furnish its response, supported by an affidavit from the principal secretary of the state’s forest department, by October 28.
Specifically, the court has asked the state government to provide details on its climate change policy, including any studies conducted on the present and future projections of the effect of climate change on the ecosystem of Himachal Pradesh. The court has also sought information on disaster management plans, including details of funds allocated for disaster management in the state over the last 20 years and the utilization of these funds.
Additionally, the court has asked for details on the state’s hydroelectric projects, including the number of rivers in the state, the number of hydroelectric projects operating on each river, and the date of their commencement. The court has also sought information on the cumulative impact of hydroelectric projects and the current status of proposals for new hydroelectric projects pending with the state.
The court has also asked the state government to provide details on zoning, including the criteria used for zoning and whether it is done on the basis of seismic activity, landslides, green cover, or eco-sensitivity. The government has been asked to provide information on the total designated forest area in the state, the area diverted for non-forest use in the last two decades, and any studies conducted to analyze changes in the green cover.
The court’s directive is aimed at framing guidelines and measures to protect the citizens and the fragile ecological system of Himachal Pradesh. The state government’s response will be crucial in helping the court arrive at a considered decision to address the existential crisis faced by the state and the Himalayan region due to climate change.