Keonjhar: Keonjhar forest division has allocated 2,030 cubic feet of timber, predominantly sal wood, for construction of chariots in Keonjhar and Kendrapada districts ahead of Rath Yatra. Forest officials confirmed that 1,470 cubic feet of sal wood was harvested from KN Ram mining lease area under Barbil forest range for Keonjhar’s Lord Baladevjew chariot. Also, 560 cubic feet was sourced from Kalapat reserve forest in Telkoi range for chariot construction in Kendrapada.Keonjhar chariot is recognized among world’s tallest. This massive chariot, reconstructed annually as part of a 300-year-old tradition, serves as the ceremonial vehicle for Lord Baladevjew during the festival.”No fresh or virgin forest areas were disturbed for this purpose. The wood was sourced from designated mining and scheduled coupe areas already marked for annual harvesting,” said Dhanraj HD, divisional forest officer, Keonjhar division.