Kishan Reddy assures Centre’s assistance in Tirumala red sandal wood smuggling menace

“The issue is no longer confined to the State alone. People belonging to various states as well as other countries are also involved in the illegal transportation of the wood,” Mr. Reddy said

Union Minister of Tourism G. Kishen Reddy said that the Centre will extend all its help to the State government in wiping out the red sandalwood smuggling menace. Mr. Reddy, who is on his maiden visit to the town after assuming the Union Cabinet position for the second time, offered prayers at the hill temple of Lord Venkateswara on Thursday. Speaking to media outside the temple, Mr. Reddy expressed concern at the indiscriminate felling of the precious trees, which have a great demand in the international markets and said that the State government should hold deliberations with the Centre as well as other neighboring states to check the illegal smuggling.