Supply of Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a valuable produce of the forest. During recent years, its production has decreased. Government has initiated various programmes to plant more sandalwood trees under various afforestation programmes. The Government sandalwood depots at Mysuru, Shivamogga and Dharwad are supplying Sandalwood, subject to availability to public for their bonafide use and Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation (KSHDC), for further distribution to artisans.
The retail sale rates are fixed by government once in a year, based on the average rates obtained in last two auction sales. Before amendment to Karnataka Forest Act 1963 and Rules 1969 in 2002, sandalwood grown in private land was disposed through the department only. But as per the amended Act and Rules the grower of sandalwood can directly dispose sandalwood at negotiated rates to the department, KSHDC and Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KS & DL).
Allotment of Timber on retail sales
Under Rule 85 of Karnataka Forest Rules 1969 (KFR), forest produce can be allotted on sanctioned retail sale rates from depots for bonafide purposes. The retail sale rates are liable for revision from time to time by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) once in two years. The rates for the block years 2018-20 have been sanctioned.
The Government also has powers to sanction timber at 50% of the sanctioned retail rates, to religious institutions and temples falling under the control of Muzrai department. (subject to a maximum of Rs.2.00 lakhs value in each case) for construction/ repairs of temples. Depending on the demand from individuals and institutions, timber of different species are allotted for their bonafide use like construction of houses/buildings, subject to the availability of wood in various depots of the State.
(Source: This is an excerpt taken from the annual report of Karnataka forests, 2017-18. You can read the article at https://bit.ly/2P0jZjM, page 38)
