AP Links Forest Conservation With Artisan Livelihoods Through Wood Banks

The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department is setting up craft wood banks across key traditional-artisan clusters to ensure reliable access to quality timber while protecting the state’s forest resources.

The initiative, being implemented on the directions of Deputy Chief Minister and Forest and Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan, will initially cover six major craft centres - Kondapalli, Etikoppaka, Shettigunta, Madhavamala, Udayagiri and Bobbili. The government plans to gradually extend the network to other parts of the state.

The wood banks are intended to address the raw-material requirements of artisans who depend on specific varieties of timber for their traditional crafts. Officials have begun identifying storage facilities and procuring wood for the centres. Pawan Kalyan has directed the department to supply timber to artisans without a profit motive, ensuring that access to raw materials does not become an additional burden on craftspeople.

At Kondapalli in NTR district, Forest Beat Officer quarters have been converted into a wood bank. The department is procuring white Poniki wood, which is required by local artisans for making the famous Kondapalli toys.

In Etikoppaka, authorities are arranging a rented private building to begin wood-bank operations and provide quicker access to artisans. Around 1.5 cubic metres of Ankudu wood has already been stocked at the facility.

At Shettigunta, the Common Facility Centre of the Lepakshi Handicrafts Society has been identified as the wood bank. The department has arranged 50 cubic metres of teak and 150 cubic metres of non-teak timber for artisans. At Madhavamala, an old red sanders depot is being converted into a wood bank, with Nariyepi and Acacia catechu wood being collected for use.

In Udayagiri, Forest Range Officer quarters have been repurposed for the facility. For artisans making the traditional Bobbili Veena, the Gollapalli Craft Development Centre has been selected as the wood bank. Jackfruit and rosewood timber has already been made available there.

The department is also planning facilities beyond the six initial clusters. A central wood bank near Dowleswaram in Rajamahendravaram is being established at a sawmill, where bamboo poles, rosewood and teak will be stocked. Another facility is proposed at Kapavaram in Eluru district to meet the timber requirements of traditional bullock-cart makers.

The initiative is aimed at creating a more organised supply mechanism for traditional artisans while ensuring that timber distribution remains aligned with forest conservation. By bringing raw-material availability under a structured system, the government hopes to support the continuity of traditional crafts and provide greater livelihood security to artisan communities.

Pawan Kalyan has reviewed the progress of the proposed wood banks with officials and directed them to develop the system in a manner that balances forest protection with the preservation of traditional crafts and artisan livelihoods.