HC seeks fresh action plan on Rotten Apple waste along Parwanoo–Kalka highway
Shimla, Nov 26,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has tightened its oversight on the persistent problem of rotten apples, leaking liquid waste, and piled-up pomace around HPMC’s fruit processing facilities along the Parwanoo–Kalka stretch of the National Highway—an issue the court has been monitoring since 2022.
Hearing a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (CWPIL No. 76 of 2022) on 25 November, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj reviewed the latest status reports submitted by the state government and HPMC. The court observed that despite multiple directions issued earlier—most notably its detailed order of 20 May 2025—several concerns remain unaddressed.
Decline in Apple arrivals not enough to curb waste concerns
The Bench noted that apple auction arrivals have already dipped sharply, from 16,657.300 MT in the previous year to 4,035 MT in 2024, and that the functioning of the new Pectin Unit is expected to further reduce pomace accumulation in future seasons.
Yet, the court pointed out that leakage of liquid waste from rotten apple consignments continues to pose a serious environmental and hygiene hazard along the busy highway.
Fresh Affidavit sought with concrete action plan
Taking note of these shortcomings, the High Court directed HPMC and all concerned departments to submit a fresh affidavit outlining clear, actionable measures for disposing of rotten apples, handling apple pomace, and managing wastewater at all notified auction sites—including Tipra (Gumma) on the Parwanoo–Shimla NH.
The matter will now be taken up for further hearing on 1 January 2026.
Long-running environmental concern
The court had initiated suo motu proceedings in 2022 after repeated reports of foul odour, heaps of decaying apples, and long queues of trucks stranded for days under the Market Intervention Scheme. Over the years, notices were issued to the State Government, HPMC, and the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, seeking strict compliance with waste management protocols and mitigation plans to prevent environmental degradation along the vital highway corridor.
As the winter season approaches and traffic flow increases, the court’s directions are expected to push authorities toward implementing on-ground measures that have remained pending despite multiple reminders.
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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.
