How long does red sanders (lal chandan) take to mature and is it legal to grow on private land?

Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a very slow growing tree native to the Andhra Pradesh hills, and good quality heartwood takes many decades, often 25 to 40 years or more, to form properly. This is not a crop that gives returns in a normal farming timeframe. More importantly, red sanders is a heavily protected and regulated species. It is listed under wildlife and CITES trade controls, and felling, possession, transport and export are tightly restricted because of large scale smuggling. Even on private land you cannot simply cut and sell it without permissions, and the rules are strict. There are also investment scams promising big red sanders returns. Before you plant or invest a single rupee, verify with your State Forest Department exactly what is allowed for red sanders on private land in your area, including registration, felling and transit. Do not rely on any agent or brochure.