Timber for the construction of chariots for the annual Rath Yatra in Puri has come into focus again, with Odisha’s Nayagarh forest division struggling to find suitable trees for the purpose.
After selecting 308 trees in forests falling under its jurisdiction, sources said the Nayagarh Forest Division, which usually supplies the timber for the chariots, is said to have suggested neighbouring forest divisions of Boudh and Angul to pitch in.
Environmentalists have also raised concerns that climate change has adversely impacted the tree species used in making of idols and chariots for the Yatra.
