Herbal Collection in Humla's Changkheli Area Faces Illegal Operations

Humla. Herbs are being collected illegally in various forests of Changkheli Rural Municipality throughout the year. "Locals are aware of those who illegally collect herbs, but due to security reasons, they do not want to reveal their names," said Rangbahadur Shahi, chairman of the Baghedhunga Community Forest User Committee. Chairman Shahi said that the consumer committee members are unwilling to name the thieves due to fear for their lives. He stated that although herbs are found in seven places in the community forest located in Changkheli Rural Municipality-2, herbs are collected throughout the year from Ladusimelibada, Ratapani area, Harinath's Korne Pati, and Tikhijur forest. The Division Forest Office issued a notice only on Bhadra 29 for obtaining permission for herb collection in Humla. Baburam Bamjan, chief of the Sub-division Office Sarkegad, said that the community forest is responsible for taking action against those who collect herbs without permission. He also mentioned that he conducts forest monitoring once or twice a month. However, he stated that no one was found during the monitoring. He also said that action would be taken if anyone was found. According to local Chandrabahadur Buda, local traders here collect herbs without permission and later sell the herbs to licensed traders. According to local citizens, the smuggling of valuable herbs and wildlife from various community and national forests in Humla is increasing day by day. However, they have stated that they will not reveal their names. Locals have said that valuable herbs such as Sugandhwal, Kutki, Jatamasi, Satuwa, and Padamchal are continuously being smuggled from the forest areas here. Mahesh Kumai, Division Forest Officer, urged everyone not to collect illegally, stating that strict action would be taken according to the law if valuable herbs are found to be collected or smuggled from community and national forests. Local Chandrabahadur Buda has accused the concerned bodies of being unable to stop the daily smuggling of valuable herbs and plants in various forest areas of Changkheli Rural Municipality. 21-day notice issued to stop herb collection without permission It has been found that herbs and non-timber forest products are being collected without permission in the Changkheli area of Humla. Although the concerned bodies did not grant collection permits last year due to the lack of a work plan, some individuals collected and smuggled herbs through the neighboring district of Mugu. This year, however, Humla has issued a 21-day notice for herb collection. Last year, the Division Forest Office Humla Chief Kumai said that permission could not be granted because the necessary work plan for collecting herbs and non-timber forest products in Humla was not approved. During that time, some collectors took herbs from Mugu. However, it is said that Mugu currently does not have a relevant work plan. Meanwhile, Humla has issued a 21-day notice from Bhadra 29 to manage and bring the collection of herbs and non-timber forest products within the legal framework for the current fiscal year. The notice urges to collect herbs and non-timber forest products only after completing the prescribed procedures and obtaining the necessary permits. According to the concerned bodies, collecting herbs without permission poses a risk of uncontrolled exploitation of forest products and loss of revenue. Therefore, it is said that efforts are being made to manage the collection area, quantity, species, and process according to the work plan. Locals say that it is necessary to make this area, which is connected to the income of the locals as it contains valuable herbs like those in Changkheli, sustainable and well-managed.