TIRUPATI: For all those who argue that the Seshachalam encounter last year has deterred smugglers from denuding red sanders forests in Chittoor district of Andhra Prades, here is a shocker. Since the 'encounter' slaying of 20 illegal loggers from Tamil Nadu last year, Seshachalam has lost over 400 metric tonnes of red sanders trees. Come to think of it, this massive destruction was wrought in just three months.
"After the encounter, there was a lull for a couple of months. There was zero smuggling activity. But then suddenly there was a spurt in illegal operations and we have lost 400 metric tonnes of precious wood," said a forest official, speaking on the condition of anonymity. What's more disconcerting, smuggling is also affecting the overall green cover in the Seshachalam forest. For instance, to get one metric tonne of quality red sanders wood, smugglers fell up to 40 trees.
"Continuous denudation of the valuable forest ecosystem could spell disaster for drought-prone Rayalaseema. This will have dire consequences for the entire area," the official said. Currently, areas like Mogilipenta, Kangimadugu, Papavinasanam and Siddileru in the Tirupati forest division are under threat.
Forest officials are demanding the setting up of at least 15 more base camps but the Forest Department has sanctioned a pittance for establishing infrastructure and providing amenities without which launching operations become extremely difficult.
''Non-recurring funds were sanctioned to create basic facilities and these are simply not adequate. With such paltry allocation, it is difficult to launch an operation. There is a dire need for funds," the forest official revealed.
There is also a growing demand to equip the security agencies technologically to tackle the smugglers. Besides providing good road connectivity is of key importance. "Even now roads laid by the Britishers to collect firewood for their use are being used," the official said.