Soon, you can apply online for timber work licence

LUCKNOW: The ban on licences for timber work will be revoked and this time licences can be obtained online.

The forest department will announce the date for online applications.

The department is in the process of completing the process for online applications.

The step comes after the Forest Survey of India completed the survey work on availability of wood in the outer forest area in Uttar Pradesh.

“The survey has been done on court order and it says there is sufficient wood to issue new licenses,” said Mukesh Kumar, chief conservator (publicity), forest department.

The ban on new licenses was imposed keeping in view the depleting forest area.

The survey report though was yet to be finalized, preliminary indications suggested wood was available. The forest department decided to issue fresh licenses through online applications only.

“The online process will ensure transparency,” said Kumar.

As per plan, the department will first invite applications online and then screening of documents will be done.

Once a final list is obtained, the licences will then be distributed. If there are few applicants, all might get license else lottery might be held to select licencees.

A final report from the FSI is expected by the end of this month that will help decide how many licences in which district are to be issued.

Districts not having any licensed trader will get preference, if there is enough wood around in the outer forest area.

THE STEP COMES AFTER THE FOREST SURVEY OF INDIA COMPLETED THE SURVEY WORK ON AVAILABILITY OF WOOD IN THE OUTER FOREST AREA IN UP