Himachal Pradesh to Fight Tree Felling Ruling in Supreme Court

The Himachal Pradesh government will take the matter of tree felling in the state’s apple belt to the Supreme Court, according to Revenue, Horticulture, and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi. The move comes in response to a High Court order that has led to the felling of trees on encroached forest lands. Negi criticized the cutting of fruit-bearing and other mature trees as environmentally unsound, particularly given the absence of such practices elsewhere in the country. While the government is complying with eviction orders, it is challenging the scope of tree removal, citing potential environmental harm such as soil erosion and increased flood risk. Alongside the legal challenge, Negi provided an update on restoration efforts following recent floods and landslides, including the restoration of infrastructure and services. An inquiry has been ordered into the death of a pilgrim during the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra, with Negi also addressing concerns about tourist exploitation.