Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 5 : The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to impose an immediate and complete ban on the operation of anti-hail guns across the state for at least one year, observing that concerns raised by orchardists over excessive rainfall and damage to adjoining apple-growing areas appeared to be substantiated.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C Negi passed the directions while hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated by the court following representations from local fruit growers.
The court examined an affidavit filed by the Director of Horticulture, which indicated that heavy and prolonged rainfall was recorded whenever the anti-hail system operated for more than an hour.
The Bench observed that the findings appeared to substantiate the concerns raised by orchardists that the operation of anti-hail guns could push clouds towards adjoining areas, resulting in excessive rainfall and damage to neighbouring orchards.
“It is apparent that the concerns raised in the representation that by using the anti-hail guns, the cloud is getting pushed into other portions of the orchards... stand substantiated,” the Bench observed.
The High Court directed the state government to immediately shut down the two anti-hail guns installed by the government at Deorighat and Bareonghat in the Jubbal and Kotkhai areas of Shimla district.
It further directed the government to issue strict instructions prohibiting the operation of privately owned anti-hail guns anywhere in the state.
The prohibition will remain in force for at least one year or until further orders from the court. During this period, the state government has been directed to assess whether adjoining areas witness relief from excessive rainfall and related damage following the discontinuation of the anti-hail gun system.
During the hearing, Additional Advocate General Gobind Korla, appearing for the state, informed the court that Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, was conducting a study to assess the efficacy and impact of anti-hail guns.
The court was informed that the study would require at least another four years before reaching a definitive conclusion.
Taking note of the study, the High Court impleaded Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, through its Registrar, as Respondent No. 5 and issued notice returnable within four weeks.
The Bench also took note of references made in the representation to studies and experiences from countries including Mexico and Romania concerning the ecological and agricultural impact of anti-hail guns.
The court directed the Himachal Pradesh government to file a comprehensive response dealing with the available global studies as well as the impact of anti-hail guns in the state.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 8, 2026.