The Supreme Court issued notices to the Union of India and the States of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir over the devastation caused by recent floods and heavy rains. A Bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai took note of videos showing large quantities of timber logs being carried downstream by floodwaters, observing that this prima facie indicated large-scale illegal tree felling in the Himalayan region.
The Court directed the States and Centre to file their responses within two to three weeks, while also seeking photographic evidence from Punjab highlighting damage to fields and villages. Expressing concern over the scale of destruction, the Bench underscored that development must be balanced with environmental protection. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, remarked that extensive human interference with nature had worsened the crisis.