📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sumita Roy Dutta
Agriculture
Himachal Pradesh High Court imposes one‑year statewide ban on anti‑hail guns
✍️ The News Mill
🗓 05 Oct 2026, 09:31 PM
👁 14
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered a 12‑month prohibition on the use of anti‑hail guns across the state, citing safety and environmental concerns.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court issued an order that bans the deployment of anti‑hail guns throughout the state for a period of one year. The directive, which applies to all districts, aims to curb the alleged hazards associated with the devices.
Anti‑hail guns, also known as hail cannons, are acoustic or explosive devices used by some farmers to disrupt the formation of hailstones during the monsoon season. While proponents argue they protect crops, critics point to a lack of scientific proof of effectiveness and potential risks to nearby residents and wildlife.
The court’s ruling highlighted concerns over noise pollution, possible injuries, and the unregulated manufacture of the guns. It also directed the state agriculture department to monitor compliance and report back after twelve months.
Farmers’ groups have expressed disappointment, warning that the ban could leave vulnerable crops exposed to hail damage. The department, however, said it will explore alternative, scientifically validated hail‑mitigation measures.
The order will remain in force until the court reviews the situation at the end of the year, after which it may be extended or lifted based on the findings.
Anti‑hail guns, also known as hail cannons, are acoustic or explosive devices used by some farmers to disrupt the formation of hailstones during the monsoon season. While proponents argue they protect crops, critics point to a lack of scientific proof of effectiveness and potential risks to nearby residents and wildlife.
The court’s ruling highlighted concerns over noise pollution, possible injuries, and the unregulated manufacture of the guns. It also directed the state agriculture department to monitor compliance and report back after twelve months.
Farmers’ groups have expressed disappointment, warning that the ban could leave vulnerable crops exposed to hail damage. The department, however, said it will explore alternative, scientifically validated hail‑mitigation measures.
The order will remain in force until the court reviews the situation at the end of the year, after which it may be extended or lifted based on the findings.