Two Nilambur teak logs fetch record Rs 31.85 lakh at forest dept auction
MALAPPURAM: The famed Nilambur teak, which holds a cherished place in the forest departments history, fetched record price at a recent auction. Two logs together realised Rs 31,85,828, including tax, at an auction held at the departments Aruvakode central depot in Nilambur. The timber, estimated to be more than 100 years old, was felled after it posed a threat, near the Punchakoli tribal hamlet within the Nellikuthu forest station limits of Vazhikkadavu range. The logs were later transported to Aruvakode depot and auctioned off earlier this week. A Gujarat-based company purchased the B export grade teak for temple construction, while the C export grade teak was bought by a Tamil Nadu-based buyer for residential construction. Forest officials said this was the first time that Nilambur teak had fetched such a high price in auction in the state. The B grade log, measuring 1.836 cubic metres (cu. m.) in circumference, was sold at Rs 5.43 lakh per cu. m., fetching Rs 9,96,948. Including GST at 26.5%, the total value of this piece came to Rs 12,59,922. The second log, with a volume of 2.925 cu. m., was sold at Rs 5.21 lakh per cu. m., realising Rs 15,23,925. With tax, its value rose to Rs 19,25,906. Officials of the Nilambur teak plantation attributed the exceptional price to the timbers age and quality. Normally, we auction trees that are 50 to 60 years old from plantations. This particular tree was not part of a plantation but was felled from a tribal settlement area. It yielded two pieces. Both were of exceptional quality, without any damage or cracks, said Nilambur range forest officer Nithin P S. As this was a rare and near-perfect piece of timber, the price rose automatically. In fact, this is the first time in decades that we have seen such flawless teak, the Nithin added. He also pointed out that the bidding process played a key role in driving up the price. The bidding was between two private parties. Usually, traders dominate auctions, which keeps prices lower. This time, both bidders were purchasing for private use, which pushed the rate higher. Officials noted that in the previous auction, timber from the Kariyamuriyam plantation in the Nilambur north division -- mostly dead and fallen trees -- fetched very low prices. For several years, timber prices had remained subdued. This auction has given a fresh boost to the legacy of Nilambur teak, he said.
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