Don’t Cut Our Roots: Farmers and Activists Unite Against Apple Orchard Evictions in Himachal

As Himachal Pradesh grapples with natural disasters and fragile terrain, a new crisis is unfolding—one that’s hitting the very heart of its farming communities. The Himachal Seb Utpadak Sangh, along with senior CPI(M) leaders, has strongly condemned the ongoing eviction of farmers and the cutting down of apple trees, especially in the village of Chaithla.

In a heartfelt statement, the Sangh described the felling of apple trees as a “ruthless, unscientific butchering,” carried out under Section 166 of the CrPC. The organization expressed deep anguish, blaming contradictory High Court orders and a lack of clear policy from the state government. They argue that these actions violate Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and livelihood.

“Apple trees aren’t forest species—they’re cultivated crops that have sustained families for over 50 years,” said Sohan Thakur, president of the Sangh. He announced an emergency meeting in Hatikoti Jubbal to organize protests against what he called “illegal evictions.”

Voices of Resistance

Former MLA and CPI(M) leader Rakesh Singha echoed the farmers’ concerns, criticizing the government for acting on interim court orders while the final judgment in the Poonam Gupta case—filed back in 2002—is still pending. “The judiciary must not ignore the suffering of poor farmers,” he said, adding that the Supreme Court itself had previously reprimanded mass evictions without due process.

CPI(M) State Secretary Sanjay Chauhan also weighed in, calling for amendments to the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. He emphasized that tribal and forest-dwelling communities have legitimate rights under the Forest Rights Act. “Evicting thousands without a rehabilitation plan, while ignoring tens of thousands of unauthorized slums and encroachments in Kangra alone, is a grave injustice,” Chauhan said.

A Plea for Justice and Policy Reform

The organizations are urging the state government to halt all evictions until a proper legal and policy framework is in place. Their message is clear: livelihoods are being uprooted, and without thoughtful reform, the damage will go far beyond the orchards.

In a state where apple farming is not just an occupation but a way of life, the battle over land and legality is quickly becoming a fight for survival.