Pawan Targets Red Sanders Smuggling
Deputy Chief Minister and Forest & Environment Minister Pawan Kalyan has directed officials to intensify efforts against red sanders smuggling and ensure that the masterminds behind such illegal operations are brought to justice without delay. He issued the instructions while reviewing a recent task force operation near Bondalavada village in Narpala mandal of Anantapur district.
During the operation, officials seized 109 red sanders logs valued at around ₹2 crore and arrested three suspects, including Nallani Nandakumar, for their alleged involvement in the smuggling network. Pawan Kalyan instructed officials to identify the key organisers behind the racket and initiate stringent legal action against them.
He emphasised that there should be no compromise in protecting the state's forest wealth and called for stronger enforcement measures and better coordination among agencies. The Deputy Chief Minister stated that red sanders smuggling has declined by nearly 70% over the past two years due to the alliance government's initiatives. He also claimed that more than 90% of those arrested in such cases have been convicted.
Pawan Kalyan appreciated the task force for its intelligence-based operation and urged officials to strengthen inter-state coordination to prevent illegal transportation of red sanders. The operation was led by forest and police officials under the supervision of the task force leadership.
