HP High Court Reaffirms Ban on Forest Road Construction
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has reiterated its ban on the construction and tarring of forest roads to protect ecologically fragile areas.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued a stern reminder to authorities, reiterating its strict prohibition on the construction and tarring of forest roads. This decision comes as the court continues to address critical public interest litigations regarding infrastructure development in the state's most ecologically fragile regions.
Strict Ban on Forest Road Tarring
A Division Bench, consisting of Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C Negi, upheld its previous directive from August 17, 2026. The court has made it clear that no construction or tarring work on forest roads is permitted until further orders are issued, emphasizing the need to protect the state's delicate ecosystem.
55 Roads Flagged for Violations in Seraj
During the recent hearing, the amicus curiae presented a detailed chart that has raised serious environmental concerns. The report identified 55 roads within the Nachan Forest Division, located under the Seraj Assembly constituency, that were allegedly built in direct violation of the Himachal Pradesh Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
The findings revealed a troubling pattern of non-compliance:
- Unauthorized Construction: In many instances, roadwork was reportedly undertaken before the user agencies had even submitted their official proposals.
- Misuse of Forest Rights Act: Permissions were allegedly granted under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, in a manner that fails to serve the actual interests of forest dwellers or the necessity of forest conservation.
- Ecological Destruction: The court was informed of large-scale felling of green trees to facilitate these infrastructure projects, posing a significant threat to the region's biodiversity.
Concerns Over Helipads and Wildlife
Beyond the road construction issues, the amicus curiae raised alarms regarding the presence of 16 helipads in the Seraj area. The court was informed that such facilities situated within forest zones could cause significant disturbance to local wildlife. The court has called for a thorough assessment of the environmental impact these helipads may have on the surrounding habitat.
The legal proceedings are set to continue, with the next hearing scheduled for December 2, 2026, to further examine the balance between infrastructure development and environmental preservation in the state.