Archive · 22 May 2025
Kerala Government Fells Trees, Earns Billions in Revenue
The Kerala government cut down over 675,000 trees, mostly teak, in its forests since 2016.
Selling the wood brought in about 2,200 crore rupees, with teak sales alone earning around 1,393 crore rupees.
The money came from selling trees like teak, rosewood, and sandalwood.
Rules are strict for landowners, especially for certain trees like sandalwood, with the government handling the cutting and sales of these trees.
The government also collects taxes from these sales.
Kerala government felled over 6.75 lakh trees since 2016, including teak, rosewood, and sandalwood.
Teak sales generated over Rs 1,393 crore in revenue for the state.
The state earned approximately Rs 2,200 crore from timber sales and taxes.
Palakkad forest division had the highest teak auction revenue at Rs 480.94 crore.
Sandalwood trees are exclusively felled and auctioned by the forest department.
- Who
- Kerala government
- What
- Felling of over 6.75 lakh trees including teak, rosewood, and sandalwood.
- When
- Since 2016
- Where
- Kerala
- Why
- To generate revenue from timber sales.
Government Regulation
Landowner Rights
Tree Felling Regulations
Government Regulation
The government strictly regulates tree felling, especially for certain species, to manage forest resources.
Landowner Rights
Private landowners have limited control over felling trees like teak and rosewood on their land, with regulations in place.
- Trees Felled
- Over 6.75 lakh
- Primary Species
- Teak
- Teak Revenue
- Rs 1,393 crore
- Total Revenue
- Rs 2,200 crore
- Illegal Trees Removed
- 5,158
- Highest Auction Revenue Division
- Palakkad (Rs 480.94 crore)