Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over North India Floods, Cites Illegal Logging

The Supreme Court has voiced serious concerns regarding the recent heavy rainfall and floods in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir. Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai noted the unprecedented rainfall and flooding, and has demanded responses from the states. The CJI remarked that prima facie, it appears that large-scale illegal felling of trees has occurred. Media reports have shown a large number of wooden logs flowing during the floods in Himachal. The court has deemed this a serious issue and ordered the states to file their responses within three weeks.