Photo used for indicative purpose only . Source: Internet
Apple Growers fined Rs One Lakh for Illegal disposal of rotten Apples
Shimla, Sept 6
In a recent development, the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB) has imposed a substantial fine of Rs one lakh on two apple growers in the Rohru area. The HPPCB issued a notice to the growers, instructing them to pay the fine within 15 days for the improper disposal of apples into a nearby drain.
In a statement, Lalit Thakur, the Regional Pollution Officer of HPPCB, referred to a 2013 order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the Abhishek Rai vs. State case, which specifies a penalty of one lakh rupees for individuals found disposing of waste into a river, stream, or watercourse. This incident of apple dumping took place in July.
Following heavy rainfall in July, a resident of Balasan, Rohru, reportedly discarded crates of apples into an adjacent drain. This incident was captured on video and subsequently circulated on social media. In response, the grower claimed that the apples had deteriorated due to road closures, necessitating their disposal.
However, when the issue became politicized, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu refuted these claims, accusing BJP leaders of spreading false information about road closures. In response to these allegations, the Horticulture Minister instructed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Rohru to investigate the matter, leading to the filing of an FIR against the individual who posted the viral video.
Also read: https://himachalscape.com/himachal-government-resolves-probe-in-rotten-apple-video/
Discussing this incident further, an HPPCB official informed that based on these reports, the board had initiated an inquiry through the Panchayat secretary and identified two violators. Both have been fined under the relevant provision, he confirmed.
Reportedly, after this action, former minister and senior BJP leader Suresh Bhardwaj criticized the Congress party, asserting that they have historically been perceived as anti-farmer. He reiterated that the apple grower was compelled to discard the apples due to road closures and demanded that the state government withdraw the notice issued to the grower.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
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