Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: The Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) has decided to auction the forest timber and firewood collected from the birthplace of Lord Buddha on the condition that it should be used in the production of religious materials.

As per the notice issued by PADT in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the timber and wood sold through auction should be used only for the production of Buddha idols, incense, religious wood art, and gift materials. According to the PADT, this arrangement has been made keeping in mind the religious importance of the trees around the birthplace of Buddha.

The Trust has stated that the religious objects made from such wooden materials can be verified by carrying out necessary tests and inspections to ensure their authenticity.

As per the decision of April 15, the Fund had called for a 21-day tender on May 15 for the sale of timber and timber categorized into different lots. The deadline for bidding has been extended by seven more days and the entire process will be conducted through e-bidding.

According to the Trust, only timber entrepreneurs who have obtained a license for the sale of forest products and have completed the necessary legal process can participate in the bidding process. To apply for bidding, the candidates have to submit business registration certificate, renewal certificate, VAT registration certificate, tax clearance certificate and the certificate being listed at the Division Forest Office.

According to the Trust, the forest products put up for auction can be observed by reaching the concerned ghatgaddi. After the auction is approved, the forest products will have to be collected within the stipulated time by paying the bid amount, collection cost and fees as per the law.

It is stated in the notice that the minimum rate cannot be proposed and the tenders that have not submitted the required deposit and documents will not be included in the evaluation. The EPF has stated that the tenders of the blacklisted entrepreneurs and firms that have outstanding dues to be paid to the fund will also be rejected.

The PADT has stated that such provision has been made to make the use of forest resources systematic and purposeful while preserving the religious and cultural importance of the Buddha’s birthplace.