Puri, Apr 27: Even after ruling the State for 24 years, the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD Government in Odisha has failed to ensure a regular supply of adequate wood logs for the construction of holy Raths of deities of Shreemandir here every year.

The much-hyped Jagannath Banikaran Prakalpa, which was started 20 years ago to avail logs for raths every year has virtually failed.

This year, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has faced difficulties in getting the logs required for the main parts of the three Raths- Nandighosh, Taladhwaja, and Debadalan.

Sources said the SJTA now depends on the donation of the devotees for availing 'Fasi' wood required for the construction of Tumba (hubs), the central point of wheels.

Sources said around 900 wood logs are required for the three cars every year. To meet the required quantity of wood, the State Government and the SJTA are still dependent on the donation of trees from the devotees' house backyards.

"The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is world famous. The temple has no shortage of land for taking of afforestation. However, after being in power for 24 years and doing politics in the name of Jagannath, the BJD government has not been able to do proper afforestation," said a resident.

According to a forest official, Dhaura, Asana, and Fasi trees have been planted under the Jagannath Banikaran Prakalpa.

However, they will take 70 years to grow to become the required size of 6ft round and 40 ft long. So, authorities have to depend on private persons to get the required quantities of logs. After 20 years, the problem will be solved, said the officials.

By now, Dhura and Asana logs required for 'Gayala' and 'Dhanda' have reached the Rath Khala.

Reacting to the lack of logs, Suryanarayan Rathsharma of Shree Jagannath Bhakta Parishad said crores of rupees spent on forestation for availing woods for Raths has been wasted due to lack of care.

"The government has taken up Jagannath Banikaran Prakalpa since the year 2000. Under this project, crores of rupees were spent on the planting of saplings and coverings around them. But trees are now found," said Rathsharma.

Sarat Rajguru, an intellectual, suggested that the government should plant around 2 lakh trees every year so that adequate logs would be made available regularly after 20 years.

Read More Odisha News

Argus English | argus english | Odisha Latest News, Breaking News, Trending News, Live TV