Supreme Court Orders CEC Inquiry into Environmental Issues
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to investigate major environmental concerns across Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Green Belt Ruling marks an important step toward protecting the state’s fragile ecosystem, especially the notified green belt areas of Shimla. The Court asked the CEC to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit reports in a phased manner.
A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta instructed the CEC to examine nine key environmental issues. The Committee must review three issues during each phase and submit an interim report after completing its assessment. This approach will allow the Court to monitor progress more effectively.
CEC Empowered to Hold Consultations and Collect Records
The Supreme Court authorized the CEC to interact directly with departments of the Himachal Pradesh Government. It also permitted the Committee to conduct field inspections wherever necessary.
The Bench allowed the CEC to seek official records, scientific studies, and administrative documents from government authorities and other stakeholders. These materials will help the Committee assess regulatory compliance and identify the extent of environmental damage.
Amicus Curiae Suggests Phased Investigation
The Court issued these directions after Senior Advocate K. Parameshwar, appearing as Amicus Curiae with Advocate Akashi Lodha, proposed dividing the environmental concerns into nine thematic categories.
He informed the Bench that the inquiry would be more effective if the CEC addressed two or three issues in each phase. The Committee could hold workshops and local consultations over two to three weeks before submitting periodic findings. Counsel for the CEC confirmed the Committee’s readiness, and the Bench accepted the phased reporting mechanism.
Illegal Activities in Shimla Green Belt Raised Before Court
During the hearing, the Amicus Curiae referred to applications filed by intervenor Sengupta regarding the Shimla Planning Area and its protected green belts. The submissions relied on a 2017 National Green Tribunal (NGT) judgment that regulated development in Shimla and called for an eco-friendly Development Plan.
Appearing for the intervenor, counsel argued that illegal hill cutting, tree felling, topsoil removal, and unauthorized multi-storey construction continue despite orders issued by the Supreme Court, the Himachal Pradesh High Court, and the NGT. Citing information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the intervenor requested a complete halt to new construction and the removal of illegal structures. The Court referred these concerns to the CEC for detailed examination under the Himachal Green Belt Ruling.
