The Tamil Nadu Sandalwood Trees on Patta Land Rules, 2008
The Environment and Forests Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, notified the Tamil Nadu Sandalwood Trees on Patta Land Rules, 2008 through G.O. Ms. No. 140, Environment and Forests (FR4), dated 27 November 2008, under rules made by the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Effective from 27 November 2008, the rules establish the process by which owners can sell sandalwood trees grown on patta land to the Government, including verification, extraction, valuation, payment and appeal.
What the rules govern
The Tamil Nadu Sandalwood Trees on Patta Land Rules, 2008 apply to sandalwood trees grown on patta land. They govern applications by owners who want to sell those trees to the Government and set out how the trees are inspected, extracted, cleaned, valued and paid for.
For these rules, sandalwood includes roots, billets, dust, chips, sapwood and sandalwood oil. A Final Cleaning Depot is a depot authorised by the District Forest Officer to process and finally clean sandalwood.
Who is affected
The Tamil Nadu Sandalwood Trees on Patta Land Rules, 2008 directly affect owners of sandalwood trees on patta land who wish to sell them to the Government. They also involve the Tahsildar, District Forest Officer, Forest Ranger, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Conservator of Forests and, in specified protected areas, the concerned District Committee.
Application and documents
An owner seeking to sell sandalwood trees to the Government must apply to the District Forest Officer in Form I. The application must include:
- A land ownership certificate issued by the Tahsildar.
- An extract of the Chitta or Adangal.
- A sketch of the patta land.
- Any deed relating to tenancy, lease, mortgage with possession or another basis of possession.
- A list of the sandalwood trees proposed for sale.
The District Forest Officer examines the application and verifies ownership of the trees.
Inspection, extraction and cleaning
Before permission is granted, the Forest Ranger must inspect, mark and report on the trees. The District Forest Officer or Assistant Conservator of Forests must check at least 10 per cent of them.
The District Forest Officer may grant permission subject to conditions or refuse permission with recorded reasons. If the land is within an area notified under either of the specified private forest or hill area laws, permission from the concerned District Committee must first be obtained.
The Forest Ranger extracts and hammer marks approved trees and transports them under permit to the nearest Final Cleaning Depot. Measurements are recorded in the owner's or authorised agent's presence. Final cleaning records must be made available on demand.
Price, payment and appeal
The District Forest Officer fixes the price using the average price from the previous sale at the relevant Final Cleaning Depot. If there was no sale for a class, the Government approved fair or base price may be considered.
The following deductions apply:
- 10 per cent for extraction, transport and final cleaning.
- 10 per cent for administrative charges.
- The remaining 80 per cent is the net sale price payable to the owner.
Twenty per cent of the net sale price must be paid within 30 days of extraction, with the balance paid within 90 days. An owner disputing the price may appeal in writing to the concerned Conservator of Forests within 30 days of receiving the order. The owner must be given an opportunity to be heard, and the Conservator's decision is final.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Do these rules apply to every tree on patta land?
No. The Tamil Nadu Sandalwood Trees on Patta Land Rules, 2008 apply to sandalwood trees grown on patta land.
What records must I provide when applying to sell my sandalwood trees?
You must provide a Tahsildar's land ownership certificate, Chitta or Adangal extract, patta land sketch, relevant tenancy, lease, mortgage or possession deed, and a list of the sandalwood trees proposed for sale.
Can I extract and transport the approved sandalwood trees myself?
Under the prescribed sale process, the District Forest Officer directs the Forest Ranger to extract and hammer mark the trees and transport them under permit to the nearest Final Cleaning Depot.
Can I challenge the price fixed for my sandalwood?
Yes. You may appeal in writing to the concerned Conservator of Forests within 30 days of receiving the District Forest Officer's price order. The Conservator must give you an opportunity to be heard, and the resulting decision is final.
