Yarchagumba Collection Permits Reach 138, Blue Cards Issued to Locals

Darchula — A total of 138 individuals have obtained collection permits (purji) for the valuable Himalayan herb yarchagumba in the high-altitude regions of Darchula so far. The Api Nampa Conservation Area Office, Darchula, began distributing permits from the last week of Baisakh, and by Monday, the said number of collectors had received permits, the office confirmed.

According to Information Officer Arun Chaudhary, all permits distributed to date are ‘Blue Cards’ issued exclusively for indigenous residents living within the conservation area. For the convenience of collectors, permits are being distributed from 11 different locations across the district, including the Api Nampa Conservation Area Office itself.

The conservation area has determined three types of identification cards and fees based on the collector’s geographical status. A ‘Blue Card’ for local residents within the conservation area costs Rs 500 per person, a ‘Yellow Card’ for other residents within Darchula district costs Rs 2,000, and a ‘Red Card’ for individuals from outside the district costs Rs 3,000.

According to the Yarchagumba Collection, Transportation and Management Procedure 2073, the pastures where yarchagumba grows are legally open only from Jestha 15 to Asar 15 each year. However, despite the official opening date still being some time away, some local residents within the conservation area have already reached the high-altitude regions and begun collecting yarchagumba since the month of Baisakh.

The prominent yarchagumba collection pastures in Darchula include Lolu, Apiphed, Satganga, Kataighatte, Khola, Chaimatela, Dharamghar, Chhetinampa, Dopakhe, and Dumling areas. The Api Nampa Conservation Area Office has urged all stakeholders not to engage in the illegal collection of yarchagumba and other valuable herbs without obtaining permits and to mandatorily follow the legal procedures.