Himalaya NITI Abhiyan Urges Immediate Action on Toxic Pesticides in Himachal Pradesh
In a significant move to safeguard public health and promote sustainable agriculture, the Himalaya NITI Abhiyan has formally appealed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to take immediate action against highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) still being sold across the state.
The environmental advocacy group’s appeal comes at a critical juncture, following the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare’s draft notification issued on July 10, 2026, proposing a complete ban on Paraquat Dichloride—a chemical notorious for its extreme acute toxicity and links to fatal poisonings.
A Call for Decisive Leadership
In his letter to the Chief Minister, Guman Singh, Coordinator of Himalaya NITI Abhiyan, emphasized that while the state’s Directorate of Horticulture has clarified that highly toxic chemicals are not recommended in the Apple Spray Schedule, a dangerous loophole persists: these lethal substances remain readily available through pesticide dealers across Himachal Pradesh.
“Sir, as you have rightly highlighted in the Vidhan Sabha, the use of toxic agrochemicals has become a severe public health and environmental crisis in our state,” Singh wrote, acknowledging the Chief Minister’s previous concerns on the matter.
Three-Pronged Request
With the central government’s draft notification open for public comments for just 30 days, the organization has urgently requested the state government to:
- Invoke Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 to immediately suspend retail sale and distribution of Paraquat Dichloride for an initial 60 days
- Submit official state support to the Centre endorsing the proposed national ban
- Expedite the CIBRC petition to phase out other remaining HHPs including Monocrotophos, Chlorpyrifos, Glyphosate, Zinc Phosphide and Carbofuran—an action already formally recommended by the Director of Horticulture
A Moment for Leadership
The timing presents Himachal Pradesh with a unique opportunity to demonstrate national leadership in public health and sustainable agriculture, the organization noted. By acting swiftly, the state could set a precedent for other agricultural regions grappling with similar challenges.
The detailed representation, along with the Government of India’s draft notification, the official response from the Directorate of Horticulture, and a comprehensive Concept Note on Highly Hazardous Pesticides in HP, have been submitted to the Chief Minister’s office for consideration.
The appeal has also been copied to the Chief Secretary, Minister of Agriculture, Secretary (Agriculture & Horticulture), and Director of Agriculture, Government of Himachal Pradesh.
As the state continues to battle the dual challenges of public health crises and environmental degradation, the Himalaya NITI Abhiyan’s appeal underscores the urgent need for policy intervention that prioritizes farmer safety, consumer health, and ecological sustainability over continued reliance on hazardous agrochemicals.
