Andhra seeks nod to export red sanders

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has requested the Centre to allow export of seized red sanders in round log form to realise revenues for the state exchequer.

While the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species has given one-time clearance for India to export red sanders both in round and value-added forms, the Government of India's Exim policy prohibits export of this precious wood in round log form.

Making a request to the government at the Southern Zonal Council meeting held in Bangalore on Friday, the said the state would float global tenders if it is permitted for exports.The red sanders in AP forests are illegally cut and smuggled to various countries. A huge volume of red sanders seized from smugglers has been lying with the forest department.