Anti-Hail Gun Controversy Erupts in Shimla's Apple Belt
SHIMLA: The indigenous anti-hail gun, developed by IIT Bombay and the Horticulture University, Nauni, has sparked a heated debate in Shimla's apple-growing regions.
Installed in Mandhol, Jubbal, the gun aims to protect apple crops from hail.
When fired it generates shock waves through pulse detonation, increasing cloud temperatures to prevent hail formation.
However, local farmers are raising concerns. Shravan Masta reported that the gun has not effectively stopped hail and instead disperses clouds, exacerbating drought conditions.
"At least 10 to 20 percent of our fruit-bearing plants have dried up this summer," he said.
But the plants were dried up due to drought conditions and it cannot be attributed to the anti-hail gun system.
Ved Prakash Sharma from the village warned of nature's retaliation, emphasizing that while apples might be saved, lives and homes are endangered by cloudbursts.
Scientists from IIT Bombay defend the technology, stating that the anti-hail gun, costing significantly less than imported versions, offers a cost-effective solution for farmers.
They argue that the gun's use of LPG makes it financially accessible and environmentally safer compared to alternatives.
Prof. Sudarshan Kumar from IIT Bombay explained that the gun features a detonation tube, convergent-divergent duct, and diverging nozzle, with an estimated cost of 25-30 lakhs, making it more affordable for farmers compared to imported versions costing over 70 lakhs.
However, Gobind Singh criticized the lack of environmental impact studies, noting that both the farm economy and microclimate are suffering.
He cited example of similar anti-hail gun installed at Baghi Ratnari how it created extreme weather conditions in apple belt of Madhavni Jarol,Tikkar and other areas located othersude of the mountain range.
But this opinion also needs corroboration as it needs scientific scrutiny as it is difficult to say that extreme weather conditions in this area are caused by the Ratnari gun that remains as good as defunct.
The gun was installed by local growers by their own efforts and it lacked scientific backup and support system
Sanjeev Chajta and Pradeep Thakur urged the adoption of protective nets instead, highlighting the importance of preserving the environment.
Sundar Chauhan added that regions outside the gun's immediate vicinity face increased risks.
The controversy underscores the need for thorough environmental assessments and balanced solutions to protect both livelihoods and ecosystems.
IIT Bombay: Development of Indigenous Anti-Hail Gun for Preventing Crop Destruction project is under scrutiny on the ground.
It will not be pertinent to discard it its infant stage.
IIT Bombay has yet to respond to the questions raised by the farmers and share its findings on its hail suppressing system of Madhol.
IIT has not cleared the air about its negative effects outside the region adjoining the site where its system is installed.
