Increasing Sandalwood Thefts Worries Minister, Stresses on Use of Technology To Prevent It

 Bengaluru: Sandalwood growers of Karnataka have been facing increasing threats due to thefts and illegal felling in recent years, said Minister of Large Scale Industries M.B. Patil in Bengaluru and assured the sandalwood growers that Karnataka Soap and Detergents Limited (KSDL) is committed to extend both legal and technical support to farmers. KSDL is famous for its product Mysore Sandal soap among many others.

Although police and forest officials have made notable progress in apprehending persons involved in sandalwood thefts and cases registered against erring persons, he said, the Minister wanted the public with credible information to alert officials concerned to initiate action in sandalwood thefts and illegal felling. However, he said, those providing tip-off will be suitably rewarded.

Illegal felling and theft of sandalwood trees have continued for decades now but the number of cases resulting in convictions remains very low, said the Minister and stated stringent laws are in place to curb illegal felling and thefts of sandalwood trees.

KSDL, the Minister said, procured as many as 174.5 metric tonnes of sandalwood directly from farmers across the State and they have been paid Rs 6.08 crore to farmers who sold sandalwood.

The Minister made an appeal to farmers, scientists and organisations possessing information on advanced equipment or innovative technologies to prevent sandalwood thefts to approach KSDL and if the technologies are found to be suitable and effective, steps will be taken to place the matter before the State Government for consideration and its implementation.

With a view to encouraging sandalwood cultivation, Patil said four farmers who have supplied the highest quantity of sandalwood to KSDL will be honoured with awards on the occasion of birth anniversary of erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore kingdom Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the founder of KSDL, on June 4.