Supreme Court Halts Himachal Orchard Demolition: A Reprieve for Apple Farmers?
The Supreme Court on July 29, 2025, intervened to stay a Himachal Pradesh High Court order mandating the removal of apple orchards from land allegedly encroached upon forest areas. The High Court’s directive had sparked widespread concern and protests.
Petitioners challenging the High Court’s decision argued the order was arbitrary and lacked a proper environmental impact assessment. They highlighted the devastating impact on the livelihoods of thousands of apple farmers.
Crucially, the petitioners proposed sustainable solutions to address the encroachment issue, offering alternatives to the complete felling of the orchards. Reports indicate thousands of trees have already been felled, causing significant public distress and environmental damage.
The Supreme Court’s stay offers a temporary reprieve to the affected farmers, but the larger issue of forest encroachment and sustainable land management in Himachal Pradesh remains unresolved. The case highlights the urgent need for a balanced approach that protects both the environment and the livelihoods of the state’s crucial apple farming community. The final outcome will have significant implications for the future of apple cultivation and the livelihoods of thousands in the region.
