For next 20 years, there will be no crunch of timber for Rath Yatra of Trinity. Tree species like Asana, Dhaura and Fasi are very much in stock which can be used for the annual sojourn of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. This was revealed at a review meeting conducted by Forest department on wood supply for chariot construction.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of Forest Department from Puri and Nayagarh districts. Forest officials also held discussion with Bhoi and Maharana servitors to ensure sufficient supply of wood for the smooth conduct of Rath Yatra.
Local Forest conservator Manoj Kumar Mohapatra said “We discussed with Maharana servitors on the availability of wood for chariot construction. Besides, Maharana servitors would let us know about the quality of timber supplied for this year’s Rath Yatra as we want to change some tree species for the annual carnival of Trinity. Existing tree species may not be available in some years."
"Besides, we discussed on measures to be taken to make wood supply for the Rath Yatra next year more systematic. We generally supply more wood than required for Rath Yatra so that there won’t be delay in the construction of chariots if some wood logs are found to be defective. Tree species like Fasi and Arjun will take much more time to grow due to contineous climate change. However, I can ensure that for next 20 years there will not be shortage of timber,” Mohapatra added.
Notably, the State government and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had taken up Jagannath Bana Prakalpa, a special afforestation programme for ensuring sustained timber supply, in 2001.