States » NorthPosted at: Oct 5 2026 5:48PM


Himachal HC orders one-year halt on anti-hail guns in Jubbal-Kotkhai

Shimla, October 5 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed a halt to the use of anti-hail guns installed at Deorighat and Bareonghat in the Jubbal-Kotkhai area of Shimla district for at least one year, observing that concerns over their possible impact on neighbouring orchards stood substantiated.
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Negi also directed the state government to ensure that the two anti-hail guns already installed in the area are not operated till further orders.
The state has further been directed to issue appropriate instructions to prevent private persons from using such anti-hail guns.
The court passed the directions while hearing a Public Interest Litigation, Court on its own motion versus State of Himachal Pradesh and others on October 1.
The court impleaded Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan and issued notice to the university through its Registrar.
The court noted that, according to the state's reply, two anti-hail guns had been installed at Deorighat and Bareonghat and a study was being conducted by the university.
The study would take at least four more years to reach a definitive conclusion.
The Bench observed that the affidavit filed by the Director of Horticulture showed heavy rainfall had occurred when the hail-control system was operational for more than an hour.
"Thus, it is apparent that the concerns raised in the representation that by using the anti-hail guns, the cloud is getting pushed into other portions of the orchards, leading to heavy excessive downpour and hail at the cost of other adjacent areas, stand substantiated," the court observed.
In view of the circumstances, the court ordered that use of the anti-hail gun system be stopped for at least one year until the report is received.
The state has also been directed to file a response on whether stopping the use of the hail guns has benefited other areas in the neighbourhood or vicinity of Deorighat and Bareonghat.
The court further directed the state to submit a comprehensive response to concerns regarding adverse effects of anti-hail guns reported in Mexico, Romania and other countries.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 8, 2026.
UNI BN
Tags: #Himachal HC orders one-year halt on anti-hail guns in Jubbal-Kotkhai
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