HC seeks state’s response on environmental impact of anti-hail guns in apple belt

Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh high court has taken suo motu cognisance of concerns over the use of anti-hail guns in the state's apple-growing regions and 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) on the basis of a communication received from a resident of village Bhamnoli in Rohru tehsil of Shimla district. The petitioner sought an immediate ban or suspension of anti-hail guns in Himachal Pradesh, citing concerns related to environmental degradation, ecological imbalance and public safety.Taking note of the issues raised, 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.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.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.The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 20.