The Police and Forest Departments have jointly mooted the proposal to delink the Aadhaar facility to those involved in the red sanders smuggling cases, as part of the strategic action plan to curb the menace in Rayalaseema region.
The move, according to officials, is aimed at cutting off the non-stop supply of hired labour force from several parts of Tamil Nadu to fell, dress and transport the red sanders logs. Ever since the crackdown began on the smuggling activities in Chittoor district two years ago, the number of hired labourers arrested has swelled to over 3,000 and arrests have become order of the day, with all the sub-jails in Chittoor and neighbouring districts reportedly being packed with such accused.
Brain-storming sessionThe officials, who deliberated the issues pertaining to red sanders smuggling during a seminar - Curbing of Red sanders Smuggling: A Challenge - here on Saturday and Sunday, noted that majority of labour force from Tamil Nadu deployed for felling of the precious logs hailed from below poverty line category.
With the delinking of Aadhaar cards, the accused would fail to avail of the benefits of several government welfare schemes and this would act as a deterrent to the labour force joining hands with smugglers, the officials felt.
RepercussionsApart from this, Aadhaar delinking would also serve as a warning not only to smugglers, but also to those assisting them in various ways and the kingpins, in view of the ‘chain of economical repercussions that the move would bring in, they said.
Referring to the proposal, Chittoor Superintendent of Police G. Srinivas said the proposal would be sent to the State government for consideration and later, the latter would pursue the same with the Centre.
A panel of forest officials led by Divisional Forest Officer (Chittoor) T. Chakrapani also proposed revamping of manpower, provision of investigation and intelligence wings for the Forest Department, apart from improving forest roads to establish quick network.
Use of sophisticated technology and Google services in protecting and enumeration of red sanders trees was also mooted at the meeting.
Central jail soughtThe panel discussion also felt the urgent need for construction of a Central jail at Tirupati, in view of the congestion in sub-jails.
Published - November 23, 2014 11:43 pm IST
