The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has released ₹39.84 crore to support the protection and conservation of Red Sandalwood in Andhra Pradesh. Of this, ₹38.36 crore has been allocated to the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, while ₹1.48 crore will go to the Andhra Pradesh State Biodiversity Board.
Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan has taken a personal interest in strengthening Red Sandalwood protection efforts. During a recent inspection at the Tirupati Forest Department, he reviewed the seized Red Sandalwood stock, assessed security arrangements, and evaluated ongoing anti-smuggling operations. Expressing concern over continuing smuggling attempts, he assured that a special crackdown operation targeting smugglers would be launched soon.
In a parallel initiative, the NBA has approved the raising of one lakh Red Sandalwood saplings by the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board at a cost of ₹2 crore, enhancing conservation efforts outside natural forests.
Red Sandalwood, prized worldwide for its deep red timber, grows naturally in select districts of the Eastern Ghats, including Chittoor, Kadapa, Anantapur, Prakasam, and Kurnool, particularly in the Seshachalam and Nallamala forests. Its high demand, especially in Japan and China, has made it highly vulnerable to illegal trade. Recently, the state government generated ₹87.68 crore through regulated auctions of seized Red Sandalwood.
With DCM Pawan Kalyan’s active involvement and support from the ruling coalition, the Centre has quickly sanctioned this significant biodiversity-linked funding. The move paves the way for the upcoming Red Sandalwood protection operation, which is expected to strengthen forest conservation, empower local Biodiversity Management Committees, support frontline staff, and boost the state’s fight against smuggling networks.
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