Following the example of Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan will also experience the fragrance of sandalwood; sandalwood forests will be developed in these 3 districts.

Rajasthan Govt Dream Project: Banswara. Now, much like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan too will be redolent with the fragrance of sandalwood. Under the Chief Minister's "Dream Project," preparations are underway to establish sandalwood forests at three locations across Rajasthan, including Banswara. Sites for this initiative have already been selected across three districts; these include Udaipur and Sirohi, in addition to Banswara.

The Forest Minister himself is visiting Banswara today to inspect the sites designated for this ambitious project. According to the Forest Department, sandalwood forests will be developed across 25 hectares in the Jhataliya forest block (Ghantala range) in Banswara, 22 hectares in the Kalka Mata forest block in Udaipur, and 30 hectares in Pindwara, Sirohi.

**Ten Thousand Saplings to be Planted in Each Sandalwood Forest**

Ten thousand saplings will be planted in each of the designated sandalwood forests. All Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) have been instructed to procure the sandalwood saplings independently at their respective levels. This procurement process is to be completed before the onset of the monsoon season. During a meeting held on Tuesday, the Forest Minister issued directives to complete the digging of pits—as well as other preparatory tasks, including fencing—prior to the monsoon rains. On Wednesday, at 2:45 PM, he is scheduled to inspect the sandalwood forest site located within the Jhataliya forest block in Banswara.

**White Sandalwood Trees to be Planted**

The plan involves planting saplings of *white* sandalwood. The actual planting of these saplings is scheduled to take place towards the end of June. Alongside the sandalwood saplings, other plant species will also be planted. According to the Forest Department, sandalwood is a semi-parasitic tree. Its germination and growth require the presence of another plant—known as a "host plant"—from which it derives its nutrients. Consequently, plants such as *Moong* (Green Gram), *Arhar* (Pigeon Pea), *Hedge* plants, *Mehendi* (Henna), and *Karanj* can be utilized as host plants for this purpose.

**Preparations for Sandalwood Forest Complete**

"Sandalwood forests are being developed at three locations across Rajasthan, and Banswara has been selected as one of these sites. All preparations for the sandalwood forest project have now been completed. A sandalwood forest will be established across 25 hectares within the Jhataliya forest block. The saplings required for this project will be procured from outside the region."
— Abhishek Sharma, DFO, Banswara