The government has relaxed norms for exports of red sanders wood in log form through Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Prohibition on export of red sanders wood in log form has been relaxed for export of 383.13 tonne through state governments of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
The wood is an endangered species of flora protected under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna. It is illegal to possess and sell the same.
Red sander is found mainly in the Seshachalam hill ranges spread across Kadapa, Chittoor and Kurnool in the Rayalaseema region and parts of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh.
The wood has huge demand abroad, especially in China and Japan, where it commands a good price of Rs 25 lakh a tonne approximately.