Supreme Court Shields Himachal's Apple Orchards from Large-Scale Destruction

The Supreme Court has stayed a high court order to remove apple orchards from encroached lands in Himachal Pradesh. The petitioners argued that removing the orchards would cause irreversible ecological damage and harm local farmers’ livelihoods. The orchards contribute significantly to the state's economy and ecological stability.

The Supreme Court has intervened to temporarily halt a high court directive that called for the removal of apple orchards from encroached forest lands in Himachal Pradesh. The decision came after an appeal was made by former Deputy Mayor Tikender Singh Panwar and activist Rajiv Rai, arguing that the high court's order could result in substantial ecological and socio-economic harm.

Senior advocate P V Dinesh presented the case on behalf of Panwar, claiming that the high court's decision was arbitrary and detrimental, particularly during the monsoon season when such actions could exacerbate the risk of landslides and soil erosion. The apple orchards in question are said to play a crucial role in stabilizing soil and contributing to the local economy.

Petitioners emphasized that the ordered removal of the orchards failed to undergo a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, violating key environmental and constitutional principles. The potential felling of thousands of apple trees, as reported, has already begun causing public distress and could threaten the livelihoods of countless farmers dependent on this industry for survival.

(With inputs from agencies.)