In addition to serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan also oversees the forestry department. As such, he now faces the challenge of addressing an issue previously raised by the TDP, JSP, and BJP: curbing the smuggling of red sandalwood in the state.
In his first significant action as forestry minister, Pawan Kalyan has directed the police department to immediately apprehend individuals involved in red sandalwood smuggling operations. He has ordered an immediate investigation into the illegal transportation of red sandalwood logs.
Recently, Pawan humorously remarked that while smuggling scenes in films (alluding to the movie “Pushpa”) might be entertaining, such activities are unacceptable in real life. He has now taken decisive steps to combat this issue.
Pawan also highlighted that sandalwood logs associated with Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and Mithun Reddy were recently seized in Nepal, and this matter remains under investigation. This suggests that Pawan suspects Peddireddy may be involved in the operation.
The Deputy Chief Minister has called for increased surveillance at the sandalwood dumping yard in Kadapa and the establishment of additional checkposts to intercept the illegal transport of logs. It is evident that Pawan’s first major directive in the forestry department aims to crack down on the “Pushpa Rajs” (smugglers) involved with the YCP who are part of the trade.
