Saw mills to be shifted outside state capital

Bhopal, Apr 28: In view of frequent fire incidents, all saw mills and timber depots located in densely populated areas will be shifted to Koluan Kalan or Jhirniya at the outskirts of the state capital.

A decision in this regard was taken yesterday at a joint meeting of civic and industry officials and office-bearers of Timber Merchants Association, presided over by Industry Minister Babulal Gaur.

''The decision to shift timber depots was taken to save the city from fire accidents'', Mr Gaur said, adding the city's safety was on top priority and recurrence of fire accidents could not be neglected.

The state government would provide all necessary facilities to the saw mill owners at the proposed shifting site at Koluan Kalan industrial area or Jhirniya on Bhopal- Narsinghgarh road.

District Collector S K Mishra said only furniture dealers would be allowed to maintain shops with limited stock within the city.

There are about 150 saw mills in the city and the Association office-bearers agreed to shift their mills to Koluan Kalan, an official release said.

UNI