Vice Chairman HP Handicraft and Handloom Corporation Sanjeev Katwal called on Development Commissioner Union Handicraft Ministry of Textiles Shri Shantmanu and urged for early approval and sanction of projects worth Rs. 2 crore submitted to the Ministry. He also discussed about preparing a project for making proper use of pine needles and training women and unemployed youth for utilising the needles for making toys and other items which would not only enhance their income but also help in preventing forest fires as most fire incidents take place due to pine needles.He said that the Chief Minister has also taken keen interest in this project in order to train and upgrade the skills of youth and craftsmen and added that the meeting was held today in order to expedite the projects sent to Government of India for approval. Shri Katwal informed that efforts were being made to set up bamboo industry at Dharampur Seoh in Mandi district and artisans and craftsmen were being trained to make bamboo items. He said that Union Government has released Rs. 1.05 crore and requested for speedy release of rest amount out of the total Rs. 2.10 crore for speedy implementation of project.Shri Gopal Sharma MD HP Handloom and Handicraft Corporation was also present in the meeting.