High Court halts Anti-Hail guns in Jubbal-Kotkhai for at least one year
Shimla, Oct 5,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the State government to stop the operation 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 excessive rainfall and hail in adjoining orchards during the operation of the system stand substantiated by the material placed before the Court.
The order was passed in CWPIL No. 57 of 2026, “Court on its own motion vs. State of H.P. and others,” by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi on October 1, 2026.
The Court noted that, according to the State’s reply, two anti-hail guns had been installed at Deorighat and Bareonghat villages, while a study into the system was being conducted by Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan. The Court said the study would take at least four more years to reach a definitive conclusion and accordingly ordered the University to be impleaded as respondent No. 5 in the proceedings.
The Court’s observations on the operation of the hail-control system formed the central basis for its interim direction.
“Heavy rainfall had been observed at the time when the hail control system was operational for more than an hour,” the Bench noted while examining the affidavit filed by the Director of Horticulture.
The Court further observed that the concerns raised in a representation—that the use of anti-hail guns was pushing clouds towards other portions of the orchards, resulting in heavy excessive rainfall and hail in adjoining areas—“stand substantiated.”
Also read: Anti-Hail Guns under scanner as HC seeks Environmental assessment
“In such circumstances, we are of the considered opinion that the usage of the anti-hail gun system be stopped for a period of at least one year until the report comes,” the Bench ordered.
The Court directed the State to ensure that the two anti-hail guns already installed are not operated until further orders. It further made clear that their operation would not be permitted and directed the State to issue appropriate instructions to ensure that private persons also do not use such anti-hail guns.
At the same time, the order does not amount to a final scientific determination on whether anti-hail guns cause rainfall or hail in neighbouring areas. Rather, the Court has sought further evidence while the scientific study remains pending.
As part of this exercise, the State has been directed to respond on whether stopping the operation of the guns results in any benefit to areas in the neighbourhood or vicinity of Deorighat and Bareonghat.
The Court has also directed the State to file a comprehensive response on the issues raised regarding reported adverse effects of anti-hail guns in Mexico, Romania and other countries.
The High Court has issued notice to the newly impleaded University, with the matter listed for further hearing on December 8, 2026.
The High Court’s October 1 order was subsequently highlighted in an official press note issued by the Court on October 5, reiterating the direction to halt the anti-hail gun system for at least one year and confirming that the existing guns cannot be operated until further orders.
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