Shimla, September 20: In a unique initiative to tackle forest fires and generate employment, the Himachal Pradesh State Forest Corporation has announced a plan to buy pine leaves from local residents at the rate of Rs 9 per kg. The leaves collected will be used for fuel production, for which a small factory is being set up at a cost of Rs 1 crore under a pilot project in Hamirpur.
The project aims to solve the problem of forest fires in the state, especially in pine forests, which are susceptible to fire due to the flammable nature of pine leaves. Every year, forest wealth worth thousands of crores of rupees is destroyed due to forest fires, especially during the summer season. By collecting pine leaves for fuel production, the government hopes to reduce the risk of forest fires and minimize damage to the environment.
The Hamirpur facility will produce fuel bricks from pine leaves, which can replace coal in tandoors and other heating systems. The proposal will soon be presented in the Forest Corporation’s Board of Directors (BOD) meeting for approval. If the pilot project proves successful, the corporation plans to expand the initiative by setting up a larger industry in the state.
Himachal Pradesh Forest Corporation vice-chairman Kehar Singh Khachi said purchase centres will be set up at various locations to facilitate collection of pine leaves from residents. Apart from the purchase price of Rs 9 per kg, local collectors will receive daily wages equal to those given under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), creating employment opportunities in rural areas.
Khachi said, “This initiative will not only help prevent forest fires but also provide a source of income to the unemployed by employing them at their doorsteps.”
Before launching the project, officials of the forest corporation visited a factory in Ludhiana, which makes fuel bricks from stubble, and learnt about the process. The factory in Hamirpur will also adopt a similar model, using pine leaves to make eco-friendly fuel bricks. If the pilot project succeeds, it could pave the way for large-scale production, turning a fire hazard into a valuable resource.
By reducing the accumulation of flammable pine leaves, the project also promises to substantially reduce the impact of forest fires in the region. The state government sees the initiative as a significant step towards forest conservation, rural development and sustainable energy production.
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