The Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation (UKFDC) has launched a streamlined system enabling local residents to purchase timber for domestic use through its five retail depots located in Dehradun, Kotdwar, Ramnagar, Haldwani, and Tanakpur. To ensure fair distribution, the corporation has imposed quantity limits on timber purchases, officials confirmed.
Quantity Caps and Purpose Restrictions
UKFDC authorities stated that a single family can procure up to 5 cubic meters of timber for house construction and a maximum of 2 cubic meters for furniture and other domestic purposes. Neena Grewal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Managing Director of UKFDC, explained, "Up to 5 cubic meters of timber will be provided for house construction, while a maximum of 2 cubic meters will be available for furniture and other purposes per family."
Transparent and Hassle-Free Process
According to officials, the process involves no auction or bidding. Citizens can visit the retail depots to inspect available timber and select logs according to their needs. Prices vary based on the type, size, and quality of the timber. To prevent misuse and ensure transparency, buyers must provide identity proof such as Aadhaar or PAN card. For house construction, submission of a building plan is mandatory to procure timber from the corporation's depots. "The process eliminates the role of middlemen and protects citizens from unfair pricing practices, while ensuring the quality of timber," Grewal added.
Digital Platform for Commercial Sales
To further facilitate commercial-scale timber sales, the corporation recently launched the 'HimKaashth' app as part of its silver jubilee celebrations. The app offers a digital trading platform for timber merchants, allowing users to register, view detailed lot listings including timber species, quality grades, and reserve prices, and participate in real-time bidding.
Operational Background
The forest corporation operates under the state forest department and undertakes scientific extraction of dead, decaying, or dying trees from reserved forests, subject to necessary approvals, officials said.
