The Department of Forests, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh on March 15, 2025, issued amendment in the older notification regarding conditions for regulating the working of Katha Bhatties using IBR boilers.
The following has been stated namely: -
• It states that the total number of Katha Bhatties with IBR boilers in Himachal Pradesh is fixed at 79, with 40 traditional Katha Bhatties needing conversion to IBR boilers, subject to processing fees and registration with the Chief Inspector of Boilers. Each unit can process a specific quantity of Khairwood, and exceeding this limit will lead to cancellation of registration.
• It notified that the Katha Bhatties using IBR boilers are allowed to install autoclaves, vacuum pan evaporators, and cooling chambers with specific capacities and they can also install manual cutch separators and air conditioning systems for cooling chambers.
• It states that the owners shall register their units with the Industry Department and ensure compliance with all other relevant regulations, including obtaining necessary permissions from other departments.
Details conditions are attached as "Annexure-A-I".
[Notification no. FFE-B-F (7)-1/2000-L-I]
