The Forest Department is setting up craft wood banks at Kondapalli, Etikoppaka, Settigunta, Madhavamala, Udayagiri and Bobbili to help artisans source wood required for making handicrafts, as per the instructions of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Environment and Forests K. Pawan Kalyan.

More such wood banks will be established at other locations across the State, including a bamboo wood bank at Rajamahendravaram, a red sanders bank at Tirupati and a teak wood bank at Kapavaram, according to an official release on Monday.

The department has taken steps to ensure a continuous supply of timber to artisans on a no-profit basis. While establishing the wood banks, measures are also being taken to ensure forest conservation. Officials have begun identifying warehouses and procuring timber for the six locations. A central wood bank is also being established at Dowleswaram in Rajamahendravaram.

During a review meeting on Monday, Mr. Kalyan said the wood banks were intended to revive the State’s traditional handicrafts and support artisans. They would also promote the sustainable utilisation of forest resources, scientific forest management, prevention of illegal timber collection, regeneration of important tree species used by artisans and development of plantations.

He directed officials to provide quality wood to artisans at affordable prices based on the cost of procurement, transportation and maintenance.

The Deputy Chief Minister instructed Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P.V. Chalapathi Rao to ensure a uniform pattern in the construction, management and design of the craft wood banks and make them accessible to artisans at the earliest.

Published - August 10, 2026 08:14 pm IST