Shimla/New Delhi, Sept 3 (UNI) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the state governments of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand to initiate steps for declaring the higher reaches of the Himalayas as an eco-sensitive zone.
The tribunal’s direction assumes critical importance in light of the massive devastation witnessed in recent monsoon, where heavy rainfall combined with large-scale construction of four-lane highways, tunnels and hydropower projects caused widespread landslides, flash floods, and loss of lives.
Experts and environmentalists have consistently warned that unchecked infrastructure development in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem has aggravated the scale of destruction. Taking cognizance of these concerns, the Tribunal had earlier appointed a Joint Committee to study the matter. In its final report, the Committee recommended a comprehensive framework for protecting the region.
Its suggestions include setting up early warning systems for extreme weather and glacial lake outbursts, regulating construction projects through strict geological and geotechnical investigations, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, afforestation of degraded slopes with native species, banning single-use plastics, strengthening waste management, and ensuring active involvement of local communities in conservation and disaster preparedness.
Both Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand submitted affidavits outlining measures already in place. Uttarakhand cited installation of Doppler radars, a dedicated landslide mitigation centre, expansion of solid waste management facilities, and a digital refund system to discourage plastic use in the Char Dham circuit.
Himachal Pradesh pointed to amendments in town planning rules to make construction safer, establishment of Doppler radar systems, large-scale afforestation drives, strict enforcement of plastic ban, and carrying capacity studies in eco-sensitive regions like Manali and Renuka sanctuaries.
The MoEF&CC sought four weeks to review the states responses and formulate its stand. Accepting the request, the Tribunal listed the matter for further hearing on November 28, 2025.
Environmentalists believe the Tribunal’s intervention could mark a turning point in shaping policies for the Himalayas, balancing developmental needs with ecological security. Declaring the higher Himalayas as an eco-sensitive zone would mandate stricter regulatory oversight and could help prevent disasters of the scale witnessed in recent yeas.
