The Forests Department in Uttara Kannada district has taken steps to stop smuggling of two rare medicinal (herbal) plants Salacia reticulata (locally known as Saptarangi) and Mappia foetida (locally known as Guwada) which are in demand in the international market. These are rare plants found only in the Western Ghats of India.
The Saptarangi creeper, which is commonly found in Joida Taluk, was being smuggled out of the forests for the last several years threatening its existence. Non-governmental organisations, Paryavarani and Centre for Green Earth, had brought it to the notice of the Forests Department.
Thereafter, the forest authorities took steps to stop smuggling of this herb. A few months ago, 236 bags containing 7,900 kg of Saptarangi were seized by the forest officials at Hemmadaga village in Joida taluk.
About 60 bags of Guwada, including 20 bags recovered three months ago, have been seized by the forest officials. This herb is used for manufacturing medicines for cancer and liver diseases.
According to Ramachandra Andlemane, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Ganeshagudi, agents who supply these herbs to some pharmaceutical companies use the local people to identify them in the forests.
The locals, most of whom are ignorant that these are endangered species, help the agents to procure these plants. But now the local people are aware that it is an offence to transport these herbs without permission, Mr. Andlemane said and added that they are not helping such agents.
An edited version of this article can be read from the link below:
No comments:
Post a Comment