Timber-laden vehicles at a Yamunanagar timber market ahead of its temporary closure during the Kanwar Yatra.
Mandoli and Manakpur timber markets to remain closed from July 30 to August 11; manufacturers stock up amid fears of production slowdown
Yamunanagar | Pen of Democracy News Desk
The Mandoli and Manakpur timber markets in Yamunanagar will remain closed from July 30 to August 11 to facilitate smooth traffic management during the annual Kanwar Yatra, a move that is expected to significantly impact the district’s plywood industry, one of the largest wood-processing clusters in the country.
The decision has been taken in coordination between the district administration and timber traders’ associations to ensure the uninterrupted movement of lakhs of Kanwariyas travelling through Yamunanagar on their way to Haridwar. While the temporary closure is considered essential from a public safety perspective, it is likely to disrupt the regular supply of raw timber to hundreds of plywood manufacturing units.
Industry representatives said both Mandoli and Manakpur timber markets serve as the primary source of raw wood for the district’s plywood sector. With trading set to remain suspended for nearly two weeks, factory owners have already begun building additional inventories to maintain production during the closure.
The increased demand for stockpiling has led to a noticeable rise in timber procurement over the past few days. Traders said the arrival and purchase of timber have increased considerably compared to normal business levels, while poplar wood prices have softened due to higher market availability.
Yamunanagar is home to nearly 350 plywood manufacturing units and around 400 peeling units, collectively producing approximately 7,000 cubic metres of plywood every day. The finished products are supplied to markets across several states, making the uninterrupted availability of raw material crucial for sustaining production.
Industry stakeholders cautioned that although manufacturers have created buffer stocks, prolonged disruption in timber supplies could still affect production schedules.
“If the supply chain remains interrupted for an extended period, factories may not be able to maintain normal output. Production could decline by nearly 40 per cent, which would also affect timely deliveries to customers,” industry representatives said.
J.K. Bihani, President of the Haryana Plywood Association, said the temporary closure has become an annual practice during the Kanwar Yatra in the interest of public safety.
“During the pilgrimage, lakhs of devotees pass through Yamunanagar. Timber-laden tractor-trolleys parked outside the markets can obstruct traffic and increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, both timber markets remain closed every year during the yatra,” he explained.
The association has also warned that any commission agent or trader found conducting business during the notified closure period will face organisational disciplinary action, including financial penalties.
Officials said the coordinated decision reflects a balance between industrial activity and public safety, ensuring smooth traffic movement during one of North India’s largest religious pilgrimages while minimising inconvenience to the manufacturing sector through advance planning.
