Turning Seized Wood into Stunning Artworks!

Red sandalwood is a rare tree found mainly in the Seshachalam forests of Tirupati district in Andhra Pradesh. Smugglers have been cutting these trees and selling them illegally. Forest officers have seized a large number of logs, which are now kept in godowns. But the government has not yet decided how to use them. Before COVID, buyers from countries like China and Japan used to purchase these logs. But after the pandemic, the demand dropped, and auctions stopped. For the past four years, the seized logs have been lying unused.

Recently, Deputy CM and Forest Minister Pawan Kalyan visited the godowns in Tirupati. He checked the logs and discussed the issue with officials. He suggested a new idea - instead of selling raw logs, local artisans could use them to make crafts and toys that can be sold in India and abroad. This would bring more money and create jobs for artisans.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu appreciated the idea and said it should be studied further before making a final decision. Officials believe this could turn seized wood into a useful source of income for the state.