The 8th meeting of the State Level Committee (SLC) on Wood Based Industries met today under the chairmanship of Dr. Mohit Gera, PCCF & Head of Forest Force, J&K.
The Government of J&K constituted the SLC to approve the grant of fresh licence or enhancement of capacity of Wood Based Industry subject to availability of raw material.
Dr. Gera emphasised that as per the initiative of the Government, the Forest Department is facilitating Wood Based Industries including an online system for application of license and its renewal, simplification of issuance of transit permit for forest produce etc.
Dr. Gera also informed that the Government is considering drafting J&K Wood Based Industries (Establishment & Regulations) Rules for further facilitation of the Wood Based Industry in J&K.
As many as 213 applications were placed before the SLC by T. Rabi Kumar, APCCF (Kashmir) for its consideration for setting up sawmills including 73 cricket bat units and 8 plywood/ veneer units. The committee approved all the applications. So far the SLC has cleared 226 cricket bat units for issuance of licence under SRO 103 which governs the establishment and licensing of Wood Based Industry. These units are located primarily in Pulwama and Anantnag Districts of Kashmir.