Illegal Tree Felling Behind Flood Havoc? Supreme Court Slams States, Seeks Answers on North India Disaster

The Supreme Court of India has raised strong concerns over the recent floods and heavy rains that wreaked havoc across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai said the devastation cannot be seen merely as a natural disaster, hinting at human negligence behind the tragedy.

Court Raises Alarm Over Large-Scale Deforestation

During the hearing, the CJI remarked that prima facie evidence suggests widespread illegal tree felling in the affected states. The court pointed out media reports from Himachal Pradesh showing large numbers of timber logs floating away in floodwaters, suggesting unchecked deforestation in eco-sensitive zones.

“This is a very serious matter. We want replies from the state governments within three weeks,” the bench directed.

The CJI also asked the Solicitor General to ensure the Centre looks into the issue, underlining that this is “not merely a case of natural calamity, but a crisis possibly aggravated by man-made activities.”

Floods Ravage North India

Heavy and continuous rainfall over the past few weeks has left several northern states reeling. In Punjab, over 30 lives have been lost, and dozens of villages have been submerged. The army and police remain engaged in large-scale rescue and relief operations.

In Himachal Pradesh, torrential rains triggered landslides, washing away homes, bridges, and vehicles. Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir have also faced massive infrastructural damage, road blockages, and disruption of daily life.

Farmers Worst Hit in Punjab

One of the worst-affected sections has been the farming community in Punjab. Lakhs of acres of fertile farmland have been destroyed, leaving farmers in deep distress.

The Punjab government has written to the Centre seeking the release of pending funds and has announced a proposal to provide ₹50,000 per acre as compensation to affected farmers. Officials argue that immediate financial relief is critical to help rural families survive the crisis.

Alarming Data on Rivers Across India

The Central Water Commission (CWC) on Wednesday reported that:

• 21 rivers are currently in a “severe flood situation.”

• 33 more rivers are flowing above normal danger levels.

Of the severely affected rivers:

• 9 are in Bihar,

• 8 in Uttar Pradesh,

• and 1 each in Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.

The Yamuna in Delhi has crossed danger marks at the railway bridge, creating a flood emergency in the national capital.

Other rivers with rising levels include 7 in Assam, 2 each in Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Telangana, and 1 each in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.

Man-Made Disaster or Natural Calamity?

Experts have long warned that rampant deforestation, illegal construction, and encroachments in floodplains worsen the impact of heavy monsoons. The Supreme Court’s sharp observations now put the spotlight back on state governments to ensure accountability.

The apex court’s direction for a detailed response within three weeks means that Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and J&K administrations will have to explain what preventive measures were in place and whether negligence in environmental regulation aggravated the disaster.

Why the Court’s Stand Matters

The remarks from India’s top court highlight a critical shift: treating floods not just as “acts of nature” but as preventable tragedies influenced by human interference with ecosystems.

If the state governments are found guilty of ignoring illegal tree felling and poor land-use planning, stricter environmental governance could follow. For millions in flood-prone states, this case could shape future climate resilience and disaster management policies.