Bengaluru Man Receives ₹28 Lakh After 40-Year-Old Sandalwood Tree Falls in Storm
Bengaluru Man Receives ₹28 Lakh After 40-Year-Old Sandalwood Tree Falls in Storm
Bengaluru, July 7, 2026: What appeared to be a heartbreaking loss after heavy rains turned into an unexpected windfall for an 85-year-old Bengaluru resident. A sandalwood tree he had nurtured for nearly 40 years was uprooted during a storm, eventually earning him around ₹28 lakh and a prestigious honour from the Karnataka government.
The resident, N. G. Kesari, discovered a sandalwood sapling that had naturally sprouted in the backyard of his home nearly four decades ago. Instead of removing it, he decided to protect and care for the tree, watering it regularly and ensuring it grew safely over the years.
As the tree matured, its fragrance spread through the neighbourhood. Aware of sandalwood’s high market value and the risk of theft, Kesari installed a sturdy iron enclosure around the tree to protect it from smugglers and timber thieves.
During a spell of heavy rain and strong winds in Bengaluru earlier this year, a large tree from a neighbouring property fell onto the sandalwood tree, uprooting it completely. While the incident destroyed the tree, it also led to an unexpected financial reward.
Following the incident, Kesari informed the Forest Department and complied with the legal process required for handling sandalwood. After receiving official permission, the uprooted tree was transported to the government sandalwood depot in Mysuru, where officials found it weighed nearly one tonne.
In accordance with Karnataka’s regulations, the tree was auctioned through Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL), the authorised agency for sandalwood sales. The auction fetched Kesari approximately ₹28 lakh.
In recognition of his dedication to preserving the valuable tree for nearly four decades, the Karnataka government also presented Kesari with the ‘Sandalwood Shiromani’ award. The honour acknowledged his commitment to conservation and responsible stewardship of one of the state’s most valuable natural resources.
Kesari’s story is a rare example of how patience, environmental responsibility and following legal procedures can result in both financial gain and public recognition. What began as a naturally growing sapling in his backyard eventually became a symbol of conservation and nature’s unexpected rewards.
