Forest department told to ensure live tracking of Red sanders stocks
T
he red sandalwood godown in Mangalam, Tirupati district, was inspected on Saturday afternoon by the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Forests and Environment. During the visit, all eight godowns storing red sandalwood were examined, and details of the logs were reviewed grade-wise, including A, B, C, and non-grade categories.
The records maintained in each godown were carefully checked, and officials were directed to implement barcode and live-tracking systems for every log. It was emphasized that no log should be lost or unaccounted for, from the point of seizure to the point of sale.
Currently, the total red sandalwood stock in government godowns is estimated at 30–35 tons, with approximately 20% A-Grade, 30% B-Grade, 30% C-Grade, and 20% non-grade logs. These grades are categorized based on quality, color, density, and defects, with A-Grade logs being the highest quality for export and luxury carvings, while B-Grade logs are primarily used for domestic furniture and mid-range handicrafts, C-Grade logs for local crafts and industrial use, and non-grade logs for powder, oil extraction, or low-value products.
It was highlighted that if the current stock is auctioned legally, the Andhra Pradesh government could potentially generate over ₹50 crore in revenue. The proceeds are expected to be used for forest conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, upgrading storage infrastructure, implementing technology-driven monitoring, and funding broader state development programs.
The live-tracking and barcoding system is being implemented to ensure full transparency and accountability, preventing leakage or illegal trade. The move has been described as a significant step in red sandalwood management, as Andhra Pradesh aims to become the first state in India to achieve end-to-end digital tracking from seizure to sale.
The inspection also reviewed the government’s ongoing efforts to monitor and protect red sandalwood forests, including detailed record-keeping, auctions only through legal channels, and compliance with CITES and the Indian Forest Act, 1927. Officials noted that proper implementation would ensure conservation, maximize revenue, and prevent illegal trade while benefiting local communities and the state treasury