Red sanders gather dust in godowns

Anantapur: Believe or not! At least Rs 10,000 crore worth of red sander logs, mostly hacked from Seshachalam forest area, in Rayalaseema region, have been dumped at various godowns, waiting to be sold through global tenders.

The valuable deposits, seized during raids by the forest and police authorities, could only be disposed after permission from the Government of India following relaxation need for red sanders, under the Foreign Exchange Regulatory Act (FERA) through global tenders.

The series of attacks on forest officials, by the smugglers, during illicit cutting of valuable red sander trees existed only in Rayalaseema region, across the globe.

Alleged involvement of mafias, including top level political leaders and officials, at various levels, encouraged smugglers and expert labourers to be involve in the process.

In addition, sections applied on the smugglers at all levels would be bail able and the culprits could be out, few hours after the arrest, by producing bonds.

It may be noted that one of the customs officer was arrested at Mumbai port, three months ago, for alleged involvement in red sanders smuggling through containers.

Speculation over the value of red sander log is being used for many things, including missiles, and many local leaders were allegedly leading the labour gangs.

Recently, Tamil Nadu smugglers from Vellur district were creating havoc for the forest officials by attacking them. Killing of two forest officials has raised many an eye brow over the activities of the smugglers.

Forest officials opine that smuggling could be curbed after calling global tenders for huge stocks of seized red sander logs available with the department.

The available stock would cost more than Rs 10, 000 crore in the International market.

If the available stocks are sold through global tenders the Government could get revenue and also chances to reduce smuggling, a forest official observed.

Though, the Central government had called global tenders five years ago, the process was not conducted. Once the global tender system gets introduced, the Government could control illicit transportation of red sander logs to other countries.

Anantapur DFO, Raghavaiah, observed that stringent action against the smugglers is essential. The sections should be tightened to curb smugglers, he added.