Registration of existing wood-based industries by Bihar government

The Environment and Forest Department of the Bihar government has asked for applications and necessary documents from the wood-based units in the state. This includes veneer mills and Saw mills, as well as plywood pasting units. These applications have been sought from units who have been operational since October 20, 2002. In this regard, an order (Order No. 3240) was issued by the department on August 29, 2023, requiring this information to be provided to the Forest Department. If an operator fails to provide such information, they will be removed from the priority list.

Separate registration will be done for veneer mills and Sawmills. Units that have both veneer and Saw machines have been categorized as composite units.

Operators of such units will need to demonstrate how long their unit has been operational. This will require providing documents such as machine purchase bills and electricity connection dates.

After preparing the priority list, the government will make decisions regarding the future of these units. The government aims to prioritize units that have been operating in the state for a long time in licensing.

On the other hand, the government has removed the restriction on the transportation of around 27 types of trees, including popular and safeda, for the purpose of promoting agro forestry.

There is no longer any need for permission to transport wood from these trees. This includes various types of trees such as bamboo, semal, babool, gulmohar, ber, guava, mulberry, rubber, and others.

There is no longer a need for any kind of permit to transport trees grown on private land. Experts believe that this move by the government will promote agro forestry in the state, ensuring an adequate supply of wood for Bihar’s plywood and wood-based industries.