Forest Department gearing up to auction timber, install chain link fencing

The department is clearing uprooted trees and damaged ones five months after the catastrophic destruction in Tadvai – Eturnagaram forests

HYDERABAD: After five months of the catastrophic destruction in Tadvai – Eturnagaram forests in which over 60,000 trees got destroyed and uprooted, the Forest Department is now gearing up to auction the timber and install chain link fencing around the entire forest area.

Due to unprecedented rains and strong winds blowing at a speed of 135 kmph to 140 kmph between August 28 and September 2 last year, there was widespread destruction in the forest area. Several trees got damaged and many got uprooted in an area spread over 332 hectares.

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Now, the department is clearing the uprooted trees and damaged ones and gearing up to auction the timber. About 3000 cubic metres of timber is expected to be cleared and already 1000 cubic metres is transported to Eturnagaram forest depot. The balance timber would also be transported in 20 days.

“Through the timber auction, we expect that Rs 10 crore to Rs 15 crore revenue will be generated for the department,” said a senior official. Though, many trees got damaged and uprooted, only seven species trees were hardwood that have commercial value.

Soon after the timber auction, the department is also installing a chain link fencing around the entire 332 hectares and raise bamboo and other local species extensively.

Emphasis would be laid on natural regeneration of forest in the region. The objective behind installing chain link fencing was to avoid wild animals’ movement and trespassing of humans from outside into the forest area. This apart, bamboo plantations would be taken up extensively as they grow fast and do not fall during heavy rains and winds. Further, it has good commercial value as well, the official said.

The target was to complete the installation of chain link fencing around the entire forest area before March end. Focus would be laid on taking up wild fire protection measures, the official added.