As part of its efforts to contain the smuggling of the red sanders which has become endemic in the Seshachalam ranges, the Forest Department has strictly restricted the entry into the thick woods.
According to the wild life Divisional Forest Officer (Tirupati division) Srinivasulu, the department has imposed Section 144 (restricted entry ) in the entire forest region to check the movement of the smugglers and unauthorised persons.
As the forests serve home to many medicinal plant species, endangered wild animals, besides the precious red sanders trees that are heavy in demand in the International market, he said, persons gaining unauthorised entry into the forest shall attract punishment in accordance with the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, with a penalty of Rs.25,000 and an imprisonment up to two years.
Expressing concern that innocent people were often becoming the soft targets of the smugglers, he warned them not to fall prey to the false enticement tactics.
He reminded that the State government was not only acting tough with the anti-social elements, but also stepped up patrolling besides resolving to supply weapons to the forests personnel.
The villagers abutting the forest ranges should also reckon that protection of forest wealth was their social responsibility, he said, adding that the residents must alert the personnel with regard to the movement of the anti-social elements.
