Puri, Oct 19: Revenue divisional commissioner (RDC), central Suresh Chandra Dalai has appealed devotees to donate timber of the specific trees used for the construction of three chariots of Puri Jagannath Temple.
The RDC found scarcity of mature Phasi, Asan and Dhaura trees used in making of chariots of the annual Rath Yatra while assessing the availability of timbers at a meeting with forest officials of various districts on Tuesday.
At least 865 timber logs are required for the construction of the three chariots of Srimandir. However, in recent years, trees of the three species have become scarce.
The RDC also urged devotees to donate sandalwood which is required in the temple for everyday rituals of the temple.
He directed the forest officers to simplify the process of cutting and transporting the timber by individuals who intend to donate these trees for the chariots. Many devotees have been donating these tree species and the temple administration felicitates them, he informed in the meeting.
