FCIK and Forest Dept discuss forest economy; mull English Willow in Kashmir

9 July 2021

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Srinagar, July 9: Federation Chamber of Industries (FCIK) held an interaction seminar with Forest Department. today The Pr. Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Mohit Gera along with Additional Chief Conservator of Forests T. Rabi Kumar, Conservators, Divisional Forest officers and other Forest Department officials were present.

The Seminar started with the welcome address by the Secretary General Ovees Qadir Jamie and who highlighted the synergy between industry and the forest department and its role in increasing the employment through industrialization. Further, he said that the revenue targets of 4% given to forest department can be achieved when forest department and industry work together and assured FCIK support to the department.

Dr Mohit Gera presented Power point presentation from the forest department in which the potential of the industry has been highlighted. He displayed the Data of the forest department and where the gaps are which can be fulfilled by the Industry. He said in India we are importing Timber worth 60,000 crores and in J&K 400 Crores of Timber is getting import. We need to increase our plantation so we should not be depend on outside timber. He also highlighted the various species
of plants which can be planted in the J&K and can be grown at lesser duration
having high yield.

The members of the FCIK has also interacted during the session and various issues have been reflected which includes the Online renewal of License for Saw mills which has been started by the department may extended by one year and the awareness campaign shall be started for the Online Renewal Process in every district till the time offline renewal shall be accepted. Further, the License may be extended for a period of 5 years. Further, the Sawing account register may be withdrawn as the Saw mills use Willow, Popular & imported Timber for production.

FCIK demands for Extention of Relief to wood based units under order of Hon’ble SCI in IA No 1117 followed by SRO-103 by J&K Govt., Gazette Notification S. O 3456 (E) and MSME Udyam Registeration may be accepted for registration of units. FCIK demands formation of Cluster where 5 units are located as per SRO 103 and give them status of mini Industrial estate status so that they can enjoy the common facilities. In addition, FCIK demands that the Secondary wood based industry shall be exempted from License as they are mostly using Planners for work.

The sale depot registration should be mandatory for those saw mills or timber dealers who are engaged in the sale and purchase of raw timber. It should not be applicable to the units where shape of timber is changed to other products like furniture, bats, fruit boxes etc. Furthermore, the use of timber other than coniferous besides imported timber need to be kept outside the record
maintenance.

The coniferous timber is being auctioned by J&K SFC at highly exorbitant rates. The MSMEs that provide employment to huge number of employees deserve supply of timber at a reasonable rate that remains constant for a period so that they are in a position to submit tenders. Further the axe cut totas be also supplied to local furniture units besides Khatuband manufacturers.

The forest department in association with SKAUST is requested to explore the possibility of a plantation drive for planting English Willow for the benefit of cricket bat industry.

FCIK members demanded that uniform and non-discriminatory policy for movement of timber and timber products which stands a legal test.

President FCIK Shahid Kamili addressed the house by suggesting that the Industry will work together with the Forest department and the issues / problems need to be redressed. Further, he emphasizes on Minor forest produces where we can work with the forest department. He also said that rotten timber may be only extracted from the forests and a barter system may be adopted fire wood if provided to industry and same quantity may be provided by the units. He said today’s session is the beginning to work the forest department and we will continue to work together for better industrial growth and protection of environment is must.