Himachal HC flags roads opening up Ecologically Fragile areas
Chandratal lake Spiti
Himachal HC flags roads opening up Ecologically Fragile areas
Shimla, Aug 19,
Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the opening up of ecologically fragile areas through forest clearances and construction of motorable roads, observing that such development is making environmentally sensitive locations increasingly vulnerable to degradation and tree cutting.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi, on August 17, registered a Public Interest Litigation (CWPIL No. 96 of 2026) after taking note of roads with high tourist footfall being constructed to facilitate access to ecologically fragile sites despite the absence of local population in such areas.
The Court cited Chandertal Lake, Shikari Devi Mandir and Churdhar Temple as examples where access through motorable roads has increased the vulnerability of the surrounding environment. The Bench observed that the issue required consideration in the larger public interest.
Also read: 300 stranded tourists & locals await evacuation as Chandertal road clearing progresses
The Court also expressed concern over overnight camping around Chandertal Lake. It sought clarity on the arrangements for disposal of human waste and plastic generated by tourists staying overnight, including whether mobile toilets and proper plastic-waste disposal facilities were available at the site.
The Bench impleaded the State government through the Principal Secretary (Forests), the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board as respondents and issued notices.
Also Read Ellerslie building’s heritage under threat, HC directs state to form high-level panel
In a significant interim direction, the Court ordered that any proposals seeking forest clearance for laying new roads to the sites in question, or for tarring existing roads, should be kept in abeyance pending further consideration of the matter.
The case has been listed for further hearing on September 28, 2026. The proceedings underline the Court’s concern that infrastructure development and tourism access should not come at the cost of Himachal Pradesh’s fragile mountain ecosystems.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
