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Kerala Forest Department

Privacy Policy

How the TIMBER mobile application collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information.

Last updated: July 7, 2026
Introduction
Your Privacy Matters

This Privacy Policy describes how the Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department (“we”, “us”, or “the Department”) collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards information when you use the TIMBER mobile application (the “App”) and the associated TIMBER web portal (collectively, the “Services”).

The TIMBER application is the official digital platform for tree-cutting permissions, timber transit passes, NOC requests, and related forestry services under the Kerala Promotion of Tree Growth in Non-forest Areas Rules, 2011. By downloading, installing, or using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect App Permissions How We Use Data Sharing & Disclosure Data Security Data Retention Your Rights Children Policy Changes Contact Us
1. Information We Collect

To provide our Services, we collect the following categories of information:

  • Account & Identity Information: Your name, email address, mobile phone number, postal address, and login credentials provided during registration.
  • Application Data: Details you submit when applying for tree-cutting permissions, transit passes, NOCs, or sandalwood-related requests — including land/survey details, species and tree information, and quantity/volume details.
  • Documents & Photographs: Supporting documents, certificates, and photographs you upload or capture using your device camera for verification purposes.
  • Location Information: Precise (GPS) location data, used only for field verification, geo-tagging of trees/sites, and GIS mapping when you actively perform such tasks within the App.
  • Device & Usage Information: Device model, operating system version, app version, and basic diagnostic/log data used to maintain security and improve performance.
2. Device Permissions We Request

The App requests the following device permissions only to enable specific features. Permissions are requested at the time the feature is used, and you may decline them — though some features may then be unavailable.

Camera

To scan QR codes on transit passes/logs and to capture photographs of documents and sites for verification.

Location

To geo-tag verification sites and enable GIS/map features during field inspections. Not collected in the background.

Storage / Files

To upload supporting documents and to save generated passes, certificates, and PDF reports to your device.

Notifications

To alert you about application status updates, approvals, rejections, and required actions.

Internet / Network

To securely communicate with TIMBER servers and the integrated NTPS portal.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To register and authenticate users and manage their accounts.
  • To process, verify, and track applications for cutting permissions, transit passes, and NOCs.
  • To enable field verification, geo-tagging, and GIS-based assessment of applications by authorised Forest Department officials.
  • To generate official documents, orders, passes, and QR codes.
  • To send status updates, approvals, and notifications relevant to your applications.
  • To maintain the security, integrity, and lawful operation of the Services and to comply with applicable laws and regulations.
4. Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as necessary to deliver the Services:

  • Forest Department Officials: Authorised officers access your application data to review, verify, and act on your requests.
  • Government Integrations: For timber transit, relevant data is shared with the National Transit Pass System (NTPS) portal to process transit passes.
  • Service Providers: Trusted technical partners who host and maintain the platform on behalf of the Department, under confidentiality obligations.
  • Legal Requirements: Where required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of the Department or the public.
5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures — including encrypted transmission (HTTPS), access controls, and secure authentication — to protect your information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information and application records for as long as your account remains active and for the period required to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, comply with statutory record-keeping obligations under applicable forestry laws, and resolve disputes or enforce agreements.

7. Your Rights & Choices

Subject to applicable law, you may:

  • Access and review the personal information in your profile.
  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Request deletion of your account and associated personal data, subject to statutory retention requirements.
  • Withdraw device permissions (such as camera or location) at any time through your device settings.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided below.

8. Children's Privacy

The Services are intended for use by adults applying for forestry permissions and by authorised officials. The App is not directed at children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can remove it.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. Your continued use of the Services after any change indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact:

Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department
Forest Headquarters, Vazhuthacaud, Thycaud P.O.,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695 014, India
Toll free: +91 1800 425 4733
Website: forest.kerala.gov.in