The recent license holders of wood based panel industries in Uttar Pradesh got stuck in confusion after National Green Tribunal (NGT) raised some queries on the process of licenses issued by UP forest department in 8 categories for various wood based industries. The NGT has issued a fresh notice to the UP Forest Department regarding the actual timber availability in the state vis a vis the consumption by wood based industry. With the serious questions raised by NGT after hearing a petition, it is now almost clear that establishment of new wood based units in the state will now be in lurch till the completion of the court process. It is also clear that after the interrogation by the NGT, the biggest setback has been to those entrepreneurs who, after receiving the license, have moved forward in setting up of related industries in the state with huge investment.
Talking to The Ply Reporter correspondent, Mr. M. P. Singh, Chief forest conservator, UP Government, said on this issue that this matter is being looked at by the DFO Court Cases Cell. Related officials and lawyers are doing their work on behalf of the government. Reply to be given in the court by these lawyers only. Because this is a court case , so we cannot say much about the matter. The lawyers of the government who are related to it will be able to give proper reactions in this case and keep the government's side in proper shape in the court. Mr. Singh said, the government will put their view in the court. But what the views of Court will come out, nothing can be said about it now. Licenses have been issued and the further process related to this is also being done by the government.
In relation to the emerging situation and its impact on wood based entrepreneurs, the Ply Reporter interacted with various stakeholders connected to this industry and tried to understand the abstract scenario. Most experts associated with this industry have recognized that the new potential entrepreneurs who have received licenses should wait for time being and should proceed only after a clear decision has been made on the matter from the NGT and the Government.