Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu ordered the officials of Forest Department to install cameras on the routes through which red sanders is smuggled, to curb the menace. This will be part of e-vigilance which is aimed at closely monitoring the illegal activity online. He has also suggested the appointment of a consultant of international standards to assess the value of red sanders wealth in the State.
Addressing a high-level review meeting along with Forest Minister Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy here on Tuesday, Mr. Naidu said the smuggling of red sanders came down by 70 per cent but it remained a concern as constant efforts were made to loot the wealth and the criminals were not hesitant to kill those trying to foil their activity.
The Forest Department officials told the Chief Minister that there were about 1.42 crore red sanders trees in the State and a stock of about 10,500 metric tonnes. Of it, 2,690 tonnes were auctioned. The earnings for government stood at Rs. 850 crore. Four thousand tonnes of the precious wood was being readied for sale in the second round of auctions soon.
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The Chief Minister said the quantity of red sanders auctioned every year has to be increased to 10,000 tonnes from 4,000 tonnes.