20 arrested for illegally entering Dolpa to pick Yarsagumba

Dolpa, May 17: Twenty smugglers were arrested from Yarsha Patan of Dolpa district who reached there to pick Yarsagumba without permission.

According to officiating conservation officer at Shey-Phoksundo National Park, Pramod Kumar Yadav, a joint team of Nepal Army, Shey Phoksundo National Park officials and Nepal Police arrested 16 men and 4 women from the Dhadha Chaur Yarsha Patan of Shey-Phokshundo National Park for trying to smuggle the Yarsagumba. All the arrested are from Jumla district. 

Those arrested are namely Surya Bohra, Bali Bahadur Bohra, Ekraj Budha Munbir, Khum Bohra, Man Bahadur Yedi, Khadak Bohra, Kamal Budha, Dal Bahadur Thapa, Sushila Devi Budha, Karna Budha, Jun Bahadur Mahatara, Kabita Mahatara, Sirjana Yedi, Sushila Basnet, Kali Bahadur Thapa, Tapta Bahadur Thapa, and Janak Thapa. 

The authorities have seized 150 pieces of Yarshagumba, a cash of Rs 2,81,000 and mobile sets from those arrested. 

As the season for picking Yarsagumba is approaching nearer in Dolpa, there have been multiple arrests of those intending to smuggle the prized herb, a caterpillar fungus known for its purported aphrodisiacal properties.

With the bad intention of smuggling and robbery, smugglers have already entered the district before the opening season of Yarsha Patan.

From the Mid March to till now, security forces have already arrested 52 smugglers from the different parts of the Yarsha Patan.

 A joint team from the national park and security agencies including Nepal Army has been formed for proper management of Yarsagumba collectors and to ensure their safety.