Lumbini Development Trust Auctions Forest Products for Religious Items

Kathmandu. The Lumbini Development Trust will auction forest products including timber and firewood collected from the areas around the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, with the condition that they must be used for the production of religious items.

According to the notice issued by the Trust in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the timber and firewood to be sold through auction must be used only for the production of Buddha statues, incense, religious woodwork, and gift items. The Trust has stated that this arrangement has been made keeping in mind the religious significance of the trees around the Buddha's birthplace.

The Trust has also stated that it can conduct necessary testing and inspection to ensure the authenticity of religious items made from such wood products and certify them at the prescribed fee.

As per the decision of Baisakh 2, the Trust had issued a 21-day tender on Jestha 1 through the government's e-procurement e-GP system for the sale of timber and firewood classified and stored in various lots. The deadline for submitting bids has been extended by seven days, and the entire process will be conducted through e-bidding.

The Trust has stated that only wood traders who have obtained a license for forest product business and have completed the necessary legal procedures can participate in the bidding process. To participate in the bid, a business registration certificate, renewal certificate, value-added tax registration certificate, tax clearance certificate, and a certificate of registration with the Division Forest Office must be submitted.

According to the Trust, the forest products put up for auction can be inspected by visiting the storage site. After the auction is approved, the forest products must be collected within the specified period after paying the bid amount, collection expenses, and legally applicable fees.

The notice states that bids with prices lower than the minimum rate will not be accepted, and bids that do not submit the required deposit and documents will not be included in the evaluation. Bids from traders and firms that are blacklisted or have outstanding dues to the Trust will also be rejected, the Trust has stated.

The Trust has stated that this arrangement has been made to protect the religious and cultural significance of the Buddha birthplace area and to make the use of forest resources systematic and purposeful.