Shimla, Aug. 20 -- Taking suo motu cognisance of environmental degradation in fragile and eco-sensitive areas of the state, the Himachal Pradesh high court has expressed serious concern over indiscriminate road construction and uncontrolled tourism in high-altitude regions.

"As an interim measure, the HC directed that all pending proposals seeking forest clearance for construction of new roads or tarring of existing roads leading to the affected sites be kept in abeyance," said the division bench comprising chief justice GS Sandhawalia and justice Bipin C Negi.

"It has come to the notice of this court that ecologically fragile areas have been opened up by giving permission under the Forest Conservation Act and that roads having high foo...