Shimla, Aug 13 (IANS): Keeping in view the multiple uses of bamboo and its products, Himachal Pradesh's forest department will soon launch a bamboo-based livelihood project, it was announced on Thursday.

The project will be based on people participation through integration by involving forest, agriculture and animal husbandry departments and corporations like state Forest Development Corporation and Handicraft and Handloom Corporation, said forest corporation vice chairman Kewal Pathania at a meeting here to explore the possibilities of bamboo-based livelihood options.

The project would be launched in various potential areas, especially in Kangra, Hamirpur, Chamba, Solan, Bilaspur, Mandi and Sirmaur districts, said Pathania, adding bamboo could become a source of livelihood support to the rural community by augmenting their skill for the propagation value addition and assured marketing.

In some parts of the state, bamboo is also being used to channelise the water flow, besides manufacturing other useful products.

Pathania said bamboo was available in huge quantity in the state and its species grow much faster than most of the hard woods and spreads into other areas.

Also, he said, bamboos could be harvested every four year on rotation for its sustainable supply from the forest as well as in private land.