Supreme Court Raises Alarm Over Illegal Tree Felling in Himalayan Region

4 September, 2025

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concern over the rampant illegal felling of trees in the Himalayan region, observing that timber logs are frequently seen floating in recent floodwaters. Taking up a public interest litigation, the court noted that while development is necessary, it cannot come at the cost of the environment and human lives. The bench has issued notices to the central government, the National Disaster Management Authority, and the governments of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Unpacked:

Why is the illegal felling of trees such a persistent problem in the Himalayan region?

Illegal tree felling persists due to weak enforcement of forest laws, high demand for timber, insufficient protected areas (only about 13% of Himalayan forests are protected), and rapid, unplanned urbanization which increases pressure on remaining forests.

What environmental consequences have resulted from large-scale deforestation in the Himalayas?

Deforestation in the Himalayas has led to loss of biodiversity, reduced groundwater recharge, depletion of natural springs, increased flood risk, and diminished wetlands. Urban expansion in particular has caused significant forest loss and environmental degradation in recent decades.

How have deforestation rates in the Himalayan states changed in recent years?

Recent studies show a significant decline in forest cover over the past three decades, though the overall deforestation rate has slightly decreased in the last few years compared to 2019–2022. For example, Himachal Pradesh lost 5.78 thousand hectares of tree cover from 2001 to 2024.

What role does development play in the deforestation issue, and how is it balanced with environmental concerns?

Development, especially urban and cropland expansion, is a major driver of deforestation in the Himalayas. Balancing it with environmental protection is challenging; courts and policymakers stress the need for sustainable development that safeguards forests and human lives, but effective land use planning and stricter enforcement are often lacking.