Minister for Health D L Ravinder Reddy called upon forest officers to shoot red sandalwood smugglers at sight, for causing imbalance in the environment by felling trees to gain illegal wealth.
Talking to media persons after inaugurating the 63rd Vanamahotsav program organized by Vana Samrakshana Samithi at Mydukur, Kadapa district, on Tuesday, the minister pointed out that red sandalwood is worth crores of rupees in the international market. He said that only strict action could prevent smugglers from destroying forests.
Ravindra Reddy came down heavily on political leaders for putting the environment at stake by supporting the smugglers for their selfish gains. He said that the environmental system would lose balance, with the unscrupulous cutting of trees. He expressed regrets for not turning people against the cutting of trees even after the government had introduced several acts to prevent those who indulge in felling. (INN)
filed in:Environment, Smuggling, D L Ravindra Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Crime