CPWD removes ban on use of timber in construction of buildings

After a gap of over 25 years, Central Public Works Department has removed the ban on use of timber in construction of buildings and habitat projects. The decision of the CPWD, the prime construction agency of the central government, comes after the Union Environment ministry asked the department to remove the ban, saying it will create demand for wood-based industries that would spur the local economy and create large scale employment.

The CPWD, which comes under the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, said the use of timber in the agency works had been banned in 1993.

"The MoEFCC has asked to remove the ban on use of wood in construction, since it will create demand for wood-based industries that would spur the local economy, particularly in rural areas, create large scale employment and encourage farmers and others to bring degraded areas under tree cover that, in turn, will augment production of a multitude ecosystem services for the benefit of the country," the CPWD said in an office memorandum.

It also stated that wood is a versatile renewable construction material and the life cycle economic cost of timber is also often much lower.