Turpentine oil from chir pine needles

Dehradun, September 13

The state government will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Petroleum for manufacturing turpentine oil from chir pine needles, which are found in abundance in the forests. These needles aid in spreading forest fires.

Both the parties agreed to sign an MoU at a joint meeting held here today. The agreement will be signed by Chief Secretary S Ramaswamy and Dr Anjan Ray, Director, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun.

Apart from manufacturing turpentine oil, bio-fuel will also be prepared from the pine needles. The CM , said the utilisation of chir pine needles would help in preventing forest fires during summer season. He said chir pine needles would be purchased from panchayats, which in turn would empower them financially. — TNS