Press note: Seizure of Van lahusan (Himalayan fritillary)

Shamshi, Kullu. Â Posted on 27th June 2016

– Seizure of Van lassan (Click to open PDF)

Press noteÂ

Conservation and protection of the endangered and threatened species in the wild condition remains a challenge to the forest officials. Likely, the Great Himalayan National Park is no exception to this. To protect such invaluable natural resources of the National park, the staff undergoes strenuous patrolling in the remotely located wilderness areas as group throughout the year. Range officer, Sainj Wildlife Range, Sh. Dinesh Kumar constituted patrolling team forest guards- Sh. Kavinder, Sh. Vinay, Sh. Nishant of Maror block under the leadership of Sh. Narotam, Block officer.  The team has camped inside the deep forest areas of Sainj Valley and carried out combing operations of for the past ten days and has reached Rakthisar after passing a distance of 28 Km on foot.

On combing of the forest areas, the team could locate temporary camping sites of a group of smugglers who are roaming in the park area without valid entry permit. On searching their belongings, they could find a huge quantity of medicinal plants, which were later identified as Van lahusun (Himalayan fritillary). After facing lot of difficulties, the team has seized the bags of Van lahusun about 70 Kg along with the tools used for digging of soil and kept in safe custody. Dr. Kirupasanar, M, DFO GHNP inspected the seized materials and directed the staff to initiate tough action against the offenders under Wildlife protection act and Indian Forest Act.

Seizure of Van lahusan (Wild garlic) in GHNP

Sh. B.S. Rana, Conservator of GHNP has also confirmed the news and appreciated the efforts of staff in controlling illegal collection of medicinal herbs and directed the staff to intensify the group patrolling activities besides keeping vigil on the entry and exit points of the park through the usage of surveillance cameras to curb any kind of illegal activity. He has also thanked the local villagers for their support in the protection of the park resources.