Red sanders has several medicinal, atomic values

V Narasimhulu Nellore: Red sanders, a highly valuable wood, is not grown anywhere in the world except in India. Unfortunately, it has gone into the hands of smugglers. It has got unique Ayurvedic medicinal properties like regulating and controlling the blood pressure. These facts came to light after the Botany Department of the Sri Venkateshwara University in Tirupati conducted research studies in 1990s. If the powder or paste of red sanders is mixed with water in a copper vessel proportionately and drunk, it is very useful to the digestive system. If it is used as a walking stick, there would be smooth flow of blood circulation. Studies carried out so far have also indicated that red sanders could generate atomic energy and that is why countries like Japan and some East European countries are producing nuclear power by making use of red sanders. That is the reason why they are encouraging illegal imports of red sanders into their countries from the ports of Chennai, Kolkota, Gujarat, Mumbai etc. However, Japan said that it was using red sanders for making a piano which has to be presented to the bride as a tradition at the time of her marriage as a gift. The East European countries were maintaining high level of secrecy with regard to the uses of red sanders. In recent times, as Pakistan was also making the atomic bomb clandestinely, the demand for red sanders has gone up. However, the top officials of Japan have denied permission to the Indian scientists to inspect their nuclear sites though they made several futile trips to that country. The Indian scientists have proved that the powder obtained by crushing red sanders could be applied on atomic reactors so that they could function in a better way. Moreover, the Indian scientists have also said that powder from red sanders also has the power to prevent radar or ultraviolet rays from entering the earth's atmosphere. The attempts of the forest officials and police to prevent the smuggling of red sanders have not been successful. According to reports, smugglers were also hoodwinking the vigilance officers and smuggling them out of the country. Investigations have revealed that wood cutters from Chennai were felling the these trees recklessly in the districts of Chittoor, Kadapa, Prakasam, Anantapur and Mahbubnagar and helping the smugglers. This was because of the fact that the Indian climate is most suitable for the cultivation of red sanders. The international smugglers have been posing a big challenge to the forest officials and police. The laws to prevent the smuggling of red sanders lack enough teeth and there is a need to strengthen the laws by removing the loopholes and bottlenecks. There were also allegations that the concerned forest officials were hand in glove with the smugglers in encouraging the smuggling. It is high time the forest officials wake up and take corrective measures to prevent the smuggling of red sanders immediately. Otherwise, there is a danger that red sanders become extinct one day.