Apple Farmer in Himachal Pradesh Under Investigation for Dumping Produce in Stream
The Himachal Pradesh government has launched an investigation into an apple farmer after a video went viral on social media showing the farmer dumping crates of apples into a stream. The incident took place in the Rohru crop belt of Shimla district. Horticulture and Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi has ordered the probe to verify the authenticity of the video.
Speaking to the media, Negi stated that the farmer’s actions were a result of the state government’s failure to open a blocked road, preventing him from timely transporting the apple produce to the markets for sale. He firmly denied the allegations that the apples had rotted due to blocked roads caused by natural calamities. Negi claimed that there was alternative connectivity available to transport the apples to the markets.
Expressing skepticism towards the video, Negi accused the opposition of creating panic amongst the farmers by spreading misinformation. He further revealed that the apples dumped in the stream were the leftovers from the grading process, having no market value. Negi criticized the farmer for polluting the river and called for action to be taken against him.
Negi also blamed BJP leader Chetan Bragta from the Jubbal-Kotkhai assembly constituency for releasing the video as part of a conspiracy. He alleged that the farmer whose apples were dumped is associated with the BJP. Negi expressed disappointment at the opposition’s attempts to politicize the crisis during such a critical time.
According to Negi, national highways and state highways have been periodically closed and opened due to heavy rain. He assured that public works department officials have been instructed to work in double shifts to reopen the link roads in rural areas. Negi emphasized that farmers are volunteering to assist in the restoration of the roads. He condemned the opposition’s attitude, accusing them of trying to exploit the crisis for political gain.
Warning that legal action has been initiated, Negi vowed that those involved in the incident would face consequences, regardless of their influence. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
In conclusion, the apple farmer in Himachal Pradesh is under investigation for dumping crates of apples into a stream. The state government has ordered a probe into the incident, while horticulture and revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi has dismissed allegations blaming blocked roads for the farmer’s actions. Negi accused the opposition of spreading panic and criticized the farmer for polluting the river. The government has assured that efforts are underway to restore connectivity in the region and that legal action will be taken against those responsible.
