Educational Visit to Forest-Based Industries in Himachal Pradesh by B.Sc. Forestry Students

Date of Visit: 13 April 2026

An educational visit to various forest-based industries was organized on 13 April 2026 for the students of B.Sc. Forestry (4th Semester) from Dolphin PG Institute of Biomedical & Natural Sciences. The primary objective of this visit was to provide students with practical exposure to industrial applications of forest resources and to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practices. The visit was successfully conducted with the valuable support and coordination of officers from the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, whose guidance and assistance played a crucial role in ensuring smooth organization and meaningful learning experiences for the students.

Objectives of the Visit

• To understand the industrial utilization of forest-based raw materials.
• To observe manufacturing processes in paper, katha, and resin industries.
• To interact with industry experts and gain technical insights.
• To enhance practical knowledge relevant to forestry and allied sectors.

1. Visit to Ruchira Papers Ltd.

The first industrial visit was to Ruchira Papers Ltd., located in Kala Amb, Himachal Pradesh.
This unit specializes in the production of writing and printing paper.

Key Observations:

Students observed the complete paper manufacturing process, starting from pulping to sheet formation, cutting, and final dispatch.

The primary raw materials used in the industry include:

• Wheat straw
• Bagasse
• Elephant grass

Wood is used only occasionally and on an order basis, reflecting sustainable raw material practices.

Learning Experience:

The Safety Manager and Pulp Quality Manager provided detailed explanations of each stage of production. Students gained insights into:

• Chemical pulping processes
• Quality control measures
• Industrial safety standards
• Environmental considerations in paper manufacturing

This visit greatly enhanced students’ understanding of eco-friendly alternatives to wood-basedpaper production.

2. Visit to Sagar Katha Factory

The second visit was to the Sagar Katha Factory, where students explored the industrial methods of katha production.

Key Observations:

• Students learned the complete process of katha extraction from raw material i.e Heartwood of Acacia catechu.
• The stages included boiling, filtering, concentration, and final product formation.
• Katha and Catechin, two products are prepared in this industry.

Learning Experience:

• Detailed demonstrations helped students understand the value addition of forest produce.
• The visit highlighted the importance of minor forest products in rural and industrial economies.

3. Visit to Rosin & Turpentine Factory

The final industrial visit was to the Rosin & Turpentine Factory located in Nahan, a government- owned enterprise.

Key Observations:

• Students studied the processing of resin into rosin and turpentine oil.
• The factory showcased distillation techniques.

Learning Experience:

Ms. Sharmila Purohit (Chemist) provided a comprehensive explanation of:

• Resin collection and grading
• Distillation processes
• Industrial applications of rosin and turpentine
• By-products production process i.e. Black phenyl and black Japan.

Students gained knowledge about the economic and commercial importance of pine resin products.

Cultural Visit

While returning, the students visited the sacred Paonta Sahib Gurudwara. This visit provided a moment of cultural enrichment and spiritual reflection, adding a meaningful dimension to the educational tour.

Conclusion

The industrial visit proved to be highly informative and enriching for the students. It provided valuable exposure to forest-based industries and helped them understand the practical applications of forestry concepts. Interaction with industry professionals enhanced their technical knowledge and broadened their career perspectives.

Acknowledgement

We express our sincere gratitude to the officers of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Mr Abhilash Damodaran (IFS), Mr Awani Bhushan Rai (IFS), Mr Sarthak Parashar (IFS), Mr Naib Singh, for their invaluable support, coordination, and guidance in organizing this educational visit. Their efforts ensured that the students received maximum learning exposure and hands-on experience.

We are also thankful to the management and staff of Ruchira Papers Ltd., Sagar Katha Factory, and Rosin & Turpentine Factory for their cooperation and for providing detailed insights into their industrial processes.

Special thanks to Ms. Sharmila Purohit and other technical experts for sharing their knowledge and expertise with the students. Finally, we acknowledge the faculty members and organizers from Dolphin PG Institute of Biomedical & Natural Sciences for their efforts.