an ecological crisis resulting in scarcity of wood has placed the sacred Jagannath rath yatra (chariot journey) of Puri in jeopardy. Wood is an integral component of the rituals associated with the yatra. But lately, the divisional forest officers responsible for making the required quantity of wood available have expressed reluctance in doing so.

People from across the country flock to this coastal town of Orissa every summer to witness the yatra. Twelve rare varieties of trees are used for constructing the three huge chariots and the images of the three deities