Government to Introduce New Regulations for Yarsagumba Collection and Conservation
September 10, 2023 | Investopaper
The Ministry of Forests and Environment is preparing to roll out a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at regulating the collection of Yarsagumba, limiting individuals to harvesting this valuable herb only once a year. Under “Yarsagumba Management (Collection and Transportation) Guideline, 2080 BS,” the government is taking proactive measures to oversee Yarsagumba management within national forests, reserves, conservation areas, and the intermediate regions of the Himalayan territory. The ministry has actively sought input and recommendations on these proposed guidelines.
As per the proposed guidelines, individuals must be at least 16 years old to partake in Yarsagumba collection. Any entity, whether it be an individual, a business, or a company, wishing to transport Yarsagumba must formally apply to the relevant authorities.
Upon receiving an application, the responsible custodian, chief, or council chairman will evaluate the amount of Yarsagumba collected according to Section 3(2) and impose the appropriate fees in accordance with the existing regulations. Following this assessment, authorization will be granted to the concerned party for the transportation of Yarsagumba. The collection window will be limited to a maximum of 30 days, with the possibility of extending the deadline by an additional 15 days if necessary. Yarsagumba collection will only be allowed during the months of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May) to Asar (mid-June to mid-July) each year.
In order to preserve the integrity of the collection area, no one is permitted to establish tents or temporary structures without obtaining written permission from the custodian, chief, or council President. Moreover, the use or transport of plastic materials with a thickness below 40 microns is strictly prohibited, and only designated tools may be utilized during the collection process. The littering, lighting of fires, and digging of holes in the area are also forbidden under the new regulations.
