States » NorthPosted at: Jun 25 2025 1:44AM


SC halts felling of 875 trees for Himachal's Himri-Nala road project

Shimla, June 24 (UNI) The Supreme Court has stayed the felling of 875 trees for the proposed Himri-Nala road project falling under the Shimla Rural Constituency.
The court issued the stay while hearing an intervention application filed by a Vijayendra Pal Singh, who is resident of Himri village.
Hearing this matter on June 23, Division bench of Chief Justice of India BR Gavi listed the matter on July 16, 2025. In the meantime, AmicusCuriae and counsel for the State would examine the applications and submit the responses.
SC also directed the registry to provide copies of IA to the Central Empowered Committee to seek its response in the matter. Till July 16 court orders the state to maintain status-quo in the matter.
It is worthwhile to mention that petitioners have raised serious concerns regarding widespread collusion between a forest-mining mafia and certain government officials.
Documentary evidence submitted in court alleges that over 17 km of illegal roads have been constructed within protected forest areas (DPF), despite repeated complaints by local villagers. Some roads, allegedly approved under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), are said to have bypassed necessary environmental and legal scrutiny.
“This area has become a den of illegal tree felling and mining, with forest authorities turning a blind eye,” said one of the petitioners, adding that several irregularities, including forged documents and misrepresentation of facts, have been reported to the vigilance department but remain unresolved.
Major General Atul Kaushik, SM, VSM (Retd), who has been monitoring the developments closely, welcomed the Supreme Court's intervention. Speaking on behalf of his NGO, Pahari Samaj Paryavaran Kawach, he said, “The stay order is a crucial step toward preserving the ecological balance and ensuring accountability in the name of development.”
The petitioners clarified they are not opposed to rural connectivity but stressed the need for responsible development. They argue that alternate alignments exist which could reduce both the project cost and the number of trees required to be felled by over 80 per cent
Past incidents have already demonstrated the vulnerability of the Himri forests. Reports of illegal maple felling and seizure of processed pine wood have surfaced in recent months.
However, action on these violations remains pending, fuelling resentment among the local population.
The Supreme Court’s order not only restrains tree cutting but also puts a spotlight on deeper systemic issues plaguing environmental governance in the state.
It is seen as a win for both environmental activists and villagers demanding a halt to unchecked destruction in the guise of road development.
UNI ML RN
Tags: #SC halts felling of 875 trees for Himachal's Himri-Nala road project
More News
LG Sinha chairs Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board meet

LG Sinha chairs Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board meet

25 Jun 2025 | 8:24 AM

Jammu, June 24 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today underscored the crucial role of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in managing the Shrine and preserving its spiritual and cultural heritage.

see more..
Ludhiana West victory is endorsement of AAP govt's work; we will make Punjab drug free: Sisodia

Ludhiana West victory is endorsement of AAP govt's work; we will make Punjab drug free: Sisodia

25 Jun 2025 | 8:12 AM

Ludhiana, June 24 (UNI) Following the victory in the Ludhiana West Assembly by-election, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP Punjab In-charge Manish Sisodia led a grand roadshow along with AAP leaders and workers to thank the people for electing the AAP candidate. Sisodia promised that AAP will make Punjab completely drug-free.

see more..
Shri Buddha Amarnath Yatra from July 27

Shri Buddha Amarnath Yatra from July 27

25 Jun 2025 | 7:58 AM

Jammu, June 24 (UNI) The administration today reviewed the arrangements for the annual Shri Buddha Amarnath Yatra starting from July 27 in Mandi tehsil of Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

see more..
Himachal CM orders mandatory news reading in school morning assembly

Himachal CM orders mandatory news reading in school morning assembly

25 Jun 2025 | 7:43 AM

Shimla, June 24 (UNI) Stung by a recent incident that exposed glaring gaps in students' general knowledge during a surprise school visit, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has prompted the state education department to implement a significant reform: compulsory daily news reading during morning assemblies in all government schools.

see more..

Facing court wrath, HP govt appoints R D Dhiman as RERA chairman, ends deadlock

25 Jun 2025 | 2:00 AM

Shimla, June 24 (UNI) Breaking the ice just a day ahead of the High Court’s hearing, the Himachal Pradesh government has notified the long-awaited appointment of the Chairperson and Member of the Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HP RERA), effectively complying with the court's stern directives. The move breaks the administrative impasse and prevents further embarrassment to the state in court.

see more..