Purchase quality wood at retail price directly at forest depots

The state's forest department has opened doors of all its 16 timber depots for individuals to make direct purchases.

Normally, wholesalers and retailers are seen at the depots buying logs in bulk. But now, people can buy 5.8 cubic metres of all 21 species of wood, except teak directly from the depots.

With this move, the middle class also can now afford wooden decor. The department is selling wood at depots at retail price, which is 25% lesser than the market rate.

"Normally a middle-class family invests only once in home construction and searches for the best affordable material. We have also learnt that the demand for wood in the market is ever increasing. So, the department decided to make wood easily available at affordable price," Brijesh Kumar Dikshit, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Resource Management said.

The advantage of buying wood directly from the depots is that the wood sold here is naturally fallen one, meaning that it has withstood all seasons. Its physical properties are certified so it does not require any additional treatment. The wood sold at depots is of legal origin and certified. A purchaser can transport it anywhere in the state without any hassle as the bill is signed and sealed by the department.

Sought-after depots

For Bengalureans the nearest depot is in Hassan, which is two hours away. The department is now working towards creating a depot in Bengaluru. The most sought-after depots are Dandeli and Mundagod and Mangaluru.

"Normally people buy ready-made furniture. But those keen can also buy wood for furniture making and other purposes up to two cubic feet. Thus the sale of bamboo and sandalwood can also be made from the depots," he said.

So far only 60 people have made direct purchases, most of them being government officials and associates of forest officials.

According to officials, the reason for this is people are not aware of the offer.

"The order stating that individuals can also make direct purchases from any forest department timber depot was issued in June 2017. But it caught the public eye only from November," said Dikshit.