HP High Court orders immediate uprooting of Apple orchards on encroached forest land

Shimla, July 6,

A move aimed at protecting Himachal Pradesh’s depleting forest cover, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to immediately clear all apple orchards illegally planted on forest lands and recover the cost of eviction as land revenue arrears from the encroachers.

The directive was passed by a Division Bench of Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Bipin C. Negi on July 2, 2025, while hearing two ongoing Public Interest Litigations. These PILs were initiated suo motu by the court to monitor widespread encroachments on forest land.

The court strongly criticized the recurring attempts by former encroachers to reclaim evicted land, especially in high-value apple-growing belts. “Despite eviction drives, individuals are attempting to safeguard standing apple crops using hail nets,” the bench noted, pointing to photographic evidence submitted in court.

Emphasizing that apple trees are not native forest species, the court directed the Forest Department to restore natural forest ecosystems by planting indigenous species in these areas. This task must be executed urgently during the current monsoon, ideally in collaboration with NGOs or private agencies specializing in afforestation.

In a firm stance against non-compliance, the bench ordered bailable warrants of ₹25,000 with sureties against those hindering implementation of earlier eviction orders. These individuals have been asked to appear in court on July 14, to explain why they should not face penalties.

To ensure complete enforcement, the court also directed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) to provide full logistical and police support to forest officials involved in the operation.

The court clarified that these fresh directives are an extension of its earlier ruling dated January 8, 2025, and must be executed without further delay.

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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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Himachalscape bureau

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.