In a decisive move, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has announced that the task force dedicated to curbing red sandalwood smuggling will be strengthened. Addressing officials, he emphasized the need to retrieve the red sandalwood that had been illegally transported from the state to Nepal.
Red Sandalwood Smuggling Crackdown
Pawan Kalyan has directed authorities to reinforce the task force to combat the illegal transportation of red sandalwood effectively. Highlighting the recent seizure of 172 metric tons of red sandalwood in Nepal, he underscored the urgency of bringing it back to India and intensifying efforts to prevent further smuggling.
Initiatives for Pollution Control
Alongside measures to curb smuggling, Pawan Kalyan has instructed officials to launch a special drive to control industrial pollution. He stressed the importance of reviewing pollution levels, specifically in the Krishna and Godavari rivers, to ensure that the water quality in these major rivers is maintained and improved.
Legislative Housekeeping Staff Issues
During a session, the Legislative Assembly’s housekeeping staff, numbering 154 across various departments, met with Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to discuss their grievances. The staff, who highlighted that they have been working for the past eight years, were initially hired at a salary of ₹6,000 and are now being paid ₹10,000. However, they remain under the purview of an outsourcing agency and expressed their concerns regarding job security and wage increases.
Pawan Kalyan’s orders and the discussions with the housekeeping staff reflect a broader effort to address pressing issues in the state, from environmental concerns to labor welfare.
