AP plans e-auction of 906 MT of red sanders wood from February 28

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government is gearing up to auction 906 MT of red sanders wood in logs through a global e-tender and e-auction in multiple cycles, starting February 28 under phase 21.

Following the first auction cycle on February 28, the unsold lots of the sought-after wood, which has been categorised into grades A, B and C will be auctioned further on March 6, 13 and 20. A GO in this regard was released by the State government late on Monday.

As per the GO, the government, after careful examination of the proposal submitted by the vice chairman and managing director of Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Limited (APFDC), constituted an auction team to coordinate the auction process and to take steps to notify the lots which will fetch more revenue to the government in phase 21 of global e-tender cum e-auction of the red sanders wood.

5,376 MT of red sanders wood up for auction

The State has constituted a tender committee under the chairmanship of the special chief secretary, of the Environment, Forests, Science and Technology Department (EFS & T Department), G Anantha Ramu to finalise the modalities for selling a total of 5,376 MT of red sanders wood in a phased manner.

The TDP-led government in the State has authorised the APFDC to engage the services of MSTC for conducting the auction while the director general of Foreign Trade, Government of India (GoI) has accorded permission to Andhra Pradesh to export the wood after the sale, which was confiscated and seized over the past several years.

Potential buyers from China

As part of the sale plan, the vice chairman and managing director of APFDC will issue tender notifications in national and international publications and specialised journals to attract potential buyers from across the world, especially in China. To catch the attention of buyers in China, the tender notifications will be published in local languages as well.

Referred to as ‘Zitan’ in China, the hardwood species found exclusively in the Seshachalam forests of Andhra Pradesh is used for making furniture, among others.