Forest Minister S Vijayrama Raju on Saturday said that the State Government would use two specially equipped helicopters to prevent fire mishaps in Chittoor district.
Talking to media persons after inspecting the recently burnt forests at Seshachalam Hills in Chittoor district, the minister said that the helicopters would be enabled to douse the flames by sprinkling water from air. He said that the government would take fool-proof measures to protect the forest wealth in the State and there would be no compromise on the issue.
Stating that 1,364 persons have been arrested in connection with smuggling of red sandalwood from the State, he said that 573 tonnes of wood worth Rs 253 crore have been seized from the smugglers in the last one year. The forest officials also seized 409 vehicles used to smuggle wood, he said.
The minister said that six persons have been booked under PD Act for various offences. (INN)