Apart from serving as the Deputy CM of AP, Pawan Kalyan also oversees the forestry department. In this capacity, Pawan has taken immediate action on a longstanding issue raised by opposition parties including the TDP, JSP, and BJP: the rampant smuggling of red sandalwood in the state.
Pawan's first major directive as the forestry minister is aimed at cracking down on red sandalwood smuggling operations in AP. He has instructed the police department to swiftly apprehend those involved in the illicit transportation of red sandalwood logs, initiating a thorough investigation into these activities.
In a recent statement, Pawan humorously remarked on the cinematic portrayal of smuggling in films like "Pushpa," but underscored that such actions are unacceptable in real life. His administration is now taking decisive steps to tackle this serious issue.
Highlighting specific cases, Pawan mentioned that sandalwood logs linked to individuals like Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and Mithun Reddy were intercepted in Nepal, indicating ongoing concerns that he is addressing directly.
To strengthen enforcement, Pawan has called for heightened surveillance at the sandalwood dumping yard in Kadapa and an increase in the number of checkpoints to intercept illicitly transported logs. His proactive stance indicates that his forestry department's priority is to apprehend the "Pushpa Rajs" — the smugglers operating under the YCP's umbrella — involved in this illicit trade.