HC Orders One-Year Halt on Anti-Hail Guns in Jubbal-Kotkhai Amid Orchard Concerns

In a significant development for apple growers in Shimla district, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered a temporary halt to the operation of anti-hail guns installed at Deorighat and Bareonghat in the Jubbal-Kotkhai region. The Court directed the State government to keep the two systems non-operational for at least one year, citing concerns that their use may be linked to excessive rainfall and hail in nearby orchards.

The order was passed on October 1, 2026, by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi while hearing a public interest matter taken up by the Court on its own motion. During the proceedings, the Court examined reports and affidavits submitted by the State and noted that instances of heavy rainfall had been observed when the hail-control system remained operational for extended periods.

The Bench observed that concerns raised by orchardists about anti-hail guns potentially diverting clouds towards neighbouring areas, leading to excessive rain and hail damage, appeared to be supported by the material placed before it. As a precautionary measure, the Court ordered that the guns should not be used until further directions.

The State informed the Court that a scientific study on the effectiveness and impact of anti-hail guns is currently being conducted by Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni. Since the study is expected to take several more years to reach a conclusive outcome, the University has now been made a party to the case and asked to assist the Court.

Importantly, the High Court clarified that it has not reached any final scientific conclusion on whether anti-hail guns cause rainfall or hail in adjoining areas. Instead, it has sought further evidence and directed the State to assess whether suspending the guns results in any measurable benefit for nearby villages and orchards. The government has also been asked to submit detailed information regarding reported concerns and experiences related to anti-hail guns in countries such as Mexico and Romania.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 8, 2026. Until then, the State has been directed to ensure that neither government agencies nor private individuals operate the anti-hail guns installed in the region. The decision is being closely watched by fruit growers across Himachal Pradesh, where the debate over the effectiveness and environmental impact of anti-hail technology continues to grow.