The Himachal Pradesh high court has taken suo motu cognisance of concerns regarding the use of anti-hail guns in the state's apple-growing regions and has sought responses from the state government and the pollution control board on their environmental and ecological impact.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi registered a public interest litigation (PIL) based on a communication received from a resident of village Bhamnoli in Rohru tehsil of Shimla district. The petitioner requested an immediate ban or suspension of anti-hail guns in Himachal Pradesh, citing issues related to environmental degradation, ecological imbalance, and public safety.
Court's Directions
Taking note of the raised concerns, the bench issued notices to the state government and directed it to clarify whether any conclusive study has been conducted by the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board on the impact of anti-hail guns. The court also sought information on whether the government has framed any guidelines regulating their use.
Affected Areas
According to the communication, areas such as Baghi, Ratnari, Deorighat, Rohru, and Kumarsain in Shimla district are reportedly being affected by the operation of anti-hail guns. The petitioner alleged that these devices generate high-intensity shock waves that disturb atmospheric conditions and adversely affect livestock, wildlife, and the agricultural ecosystem.
Concerns Raised
The court noted that anti-hail guns are primarily used to protect apple orchards by preventing hail damage. However, the petitioner contended that while the devices may safeguard specific agricultural areas, they divert hail-bearing clouds towards other regions, leading to heavier rainfall and hailstorms in places where such guns are not installed.
The plea further claimed that the concentration of rainfall and hail in diverted areas could disturb the environmental balance and potentially contribute to natural disasters, including cloudbursts. Concerns were also raised regarding noise pollution caused by the repeated use of the guns.
Next Hearing
The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 20.
