Sunjauli market after hailstrom on Tuesday
Anti-Hail Guns under scanner as HC seeks Environmental assessment
Shimla, June 4
Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of concerns raised over the use of anti-hail guns in the state’s apple-growing regions and has sought responses from the State Government and other authorities on whether the devices could have adverse environmental consequences, including the potential to influence rainfall patterns and contribute to natural calamities such as cloudbursts.
A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia comprising of justice Bipen Chandra Negi registered a Public Interest Litigation titled Court on its Own Motion vs. State of Himachal Pradesh and Others, based on a communication received from a resident of Bhamnoli village in Rohru subdivision of Shimla district.
The communication sought the immediate suspension or ban on anti-hail guns in Himachal Pradesh, alleging that their operation was causing environmental, ecological and public safety concerns.
According to the court order dated June 2, the complainant claimed that several apple-growing areas, including Baghi, Ratnari, Deori Ghat, Rohru and Kumarsain, are affected by the operation of anti-hail guns. These devices are used by orchardists to protect apple crops from hailstorms by generating high-intensity shock waves in the atmosphere.
The petitioner alleged that while the objective of anti-hail guns is to divert hail-bearing clouds away from orchards, the resulting displacement of clouds could lead to excessive rainfall and hail in neighbouring areas where such devices are not installed. The communication further claimed that this concentration of rainfall and hail in diverted areas could adversely affect the environment, livestock, wildlife and agriculture.
The complaint also raised concerns regarding sound pollution caused by repeated shock-wave explosions and alleged that the atmospheric disturbances created by anti-hail guns may have the potential to trigger cloudbursts and other weather-related disasters. The petitioner contended that the use of the technology lacks adequate scientific study and regulatory oversight.
Taking note of the allegations, the High Court observed that the issues raised require examination by the concerned authorities. The Bench issued notices to the respondents and specifically directed them to clarify whether any conclusive scientific study has been conducted regarding the impact of anti-hail guns on the environment and weather systems.
The court has also sought information on whether the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board or the State Government has framed any guidelines regulating the installation and operation of anti-hail guns in the state.
Additional Advocate General Gobind Korla appeared on behalf of the State and accepted notice for respondents. Counsel Dhiraj Thakur accepted notice on behalf of another respondent.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 20, 2026. The High Court’s intervention has brought renewed attention to the long-standing debate between orchardists seeking protection from hail damage and residents raising concerns over the possible environmental consequences of anti-hail gun technology.
Background
Anti-hail guns are widely used in parts of Himachal Pradesh’s apple belt, particularly in Shimla district, to protect fruit crops from hailstorms. The devices produce powerful shock waves directed towards the sky with the aim of disrupting hail formation. While orchardists consider them an important crop-protection measure, their scientific effectiveness and environmental impact have remained subjects of debate for years. The present PIL is expected to prompt a closer examination of the technology and the regulatory framework governing its use in the state.
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