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Himachal to auction apple crop harvested from encroached land amidst protest from growers
HP Apple Growers Association criticises Govt. for mechanical implemented of orders, Opposition parties blame the Virbhadra government for not pleading the case of farmers strongly in the High Court.
The Himachal Pradesh Government on Thursday in a reply in the High Court stated that it had registered 2509 FIRs out of 2527 cases of illegal encroachments of more than 10 bighas of forest land by encroachers. The demarcation has been done in at least 2520 cases and 2515 cases have been challaned in the judicial courts.
Just seven cases are left for demarcation. And in less than 10 bigha category of illegal possessions out of a total 9735 cases, proceedings have been completed by the forest and revenue officials under the Himachal Pradesh Public Premises (Eviction and Rent Recovery) Act 1971. Out of a total of 7244 cases the officials have evicted 3893 cases of the encroached forest lands from the illegal possessors.
In the status report filed before the division bench of Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan the government maintained that it had conducted the high-level meeting and had taken a decision to comply with the orders of the Court in letter and spirit. The government has decided to conduct on the spot auction of apples and other fruits bearing orchards on encroached forest land immediately without further loss of time, since these crops are about to reach the ripening stage and any delay in the process shall only cause these crops to perish.
The Court on Thursday ordered to videograph the entire process of auction proceedings and the standing apple and other fruit trees on the encroached lands. It has categorically said in the order that “lodging of FIRs does not mean that the encroachment proceedings have come to an end, are to be kept under eclipse. FIR relates to trespass and other offences punishable under the applicable penal laws, but the apple trees, other fruit bearing trees, crops and other encroachments made on the forest land are to be removed in terms of the mandate of law read with the orders passed by this Court from time to time and the fruits or crops are to be dealt with in terms of the said orders”.
Encroachment on one inch or on thousand inches is an encroachment and the encroachers are liable to be evicted and dealt with under law
,said the Court.
The Congress-led government had pleaded in the Court for a modified order in case of the eviction ordered by the High Court of all types of encroachments.
On the other hand apple growers alleged the Govt. for mechanical implementation of orders, Rakesh Singha, president, HP Apple Growers Association, said,
If the 10-storey High Court building and 12-storey Jagson ropeways building have violated the municipal law, should the extra portion be demolished. It is a matter of grave concern that the state government is evicting poor and small farmers and disconnecting water and electricity connections in the state.
The Opposition parties who have blamed the Virbhadra government for not pleading the case of farmers strongly in the High Court are now demanding from it to file a review petition in the High Court or to approach the apex court to save the small and marginal peasants. They have demanded that small encroachments of the poor farmers should be regularised and another derive for land reforms should be conducted in the State.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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