Himachal High Court Cracks Down on Rotten Apple Waste Along Parwanoo–Kalka Highway
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has once again stepped in to address the long-standing issue of rotting apples, leaking liquid waste, and heaps of pomace piling up near HPMC’s fruit processing facilities along the busy Parwanoo–Kalka highway.
On 25 November, a Division Bench led by Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj reviewed fresh reports from the state government and HPMC. Despite earlier directions — including a detailed order in May 2025 — the court noted that several problems remain unresolved.
Fewer Apples, But Waste Still a Hazard
Apple arrivals at auction sites have dropped sharply, from 16,657 MT last year to just 4,035 MT in 2024. A new Pectin Unit is expected to reduce pomace buildup in future seasons. Yet, the court observed that liquid waste from rotten consignments continues to leak, creating serious environmental and hygiene risks along the highway.
Court Demands Concrete Action
The Bench has directed HPMC and concerned departments to file a fresh affidavit with clear steps for:
- Safe disposal of rotten apples
- Proper handling of pomace
- Effective wastewater management at all auction sites, including Tipra (Gumma) on the Parwanoo–Shimla NH
The matter will be heard again on 1 January 2026.
A Problem Years in the Making
The High Court first took suo motu notice in 2022 after repeated complaints of foul odour, decaying apple heaps, and trucks stranded for days under the Market Intervention Scheme. Since then, multiple notices have gone out to the State Government, HPMC, and the Pollution Control Board, but on-ground compliance has lagged.
With winter traffic set to rise, the court’s latest push is expected to finally force authorities to act on waste management measures that have been pending for years.
