Yatri's 33 Years In The Forest

The book under review, Jungle Ma 33 Barsha (literally 33 years in the jungle), is a significant contribution to the field of conservation, written by, Dhartichandra Yatri, a conservationist and poet. 

This work chronicles the author's 33-year journey as a national park staff member, sharing his experiences in remote areas across the country, including the rugged, high-altitude Himalayan regions. The book offers valuable insights into life and challenges faced by conservation workers, highlighting their dedication to preserving wildlife and nature. 

Yatri, a conservation staff member under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Reserves, is currently working in Chitwan National Park.  

A poet at heart, this is his first collection of travel essays, hailing from Nuwakot, Yatri, believes that had he not lived close to nature in the jungle, he would not have become a poet. His contemporaries have given him the nickname 'Jungali Kabi' (poet from the jungle).

His book is a treasure trove of insights related to conservation and eco-tourism in Nepal.  Having gained immense knowledge and experience from his time in remote places such as Langtang National Park, Shey Phoksundo National Park, Rara National Park, Bardiya National Park and Shivapuri National Park, near the Kathmandu Valley, Yatri brings valuable perspectives. 

The essay covers a range of topics, including the Ministry of Forests, national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas. Other themes explored in the book include Unforgettable Lothsallo (Taxus Wallichiana), Four Years with the Rhinos, Tourism Destination Kutumsang, From Timure to Tibet, The Rasuwa I Experienced, With Eric Valli in Dolpa, Ghoptebhir- a Tragedy, The Veterans of Conservation, Days in Shivapuri National Park, The Snow Leopard in the Eyes of a Norwegian, Dr Kaiz, Dr. Chalise and Snow Leopards of Langtang, and Red Pandas of Chandanbari, among others.

In his book, Yatri highlights importance of lothsallo, a rare plant found only in Dolpa, Mugu and Langtang conservation areas, which is currently in endangered. He urges for its conservation and potential farming, as it may be used in the treatment of disease like cancer.

The author also shares the enchanting beauty of national parks like Ghodatabela of mid-Langtang, the Kyanjin Valley, Chyar Gori, Yala Peak, Helambu, Timbu, Nakote Gumba, Shermathan Gumba and Tarkeghyang Gumba, which he calls unforgettable. 

Under the section 'Conservation Thinking', the author provides several valuable recommendations for conservation staffs and officers.  He advises allocating the budget conservation for actual conservation purposes, emphasising austerity in spending the guise of wildlife conservation, and creating a common concept paper for wildlife conservation, among other strategies. The author also praises the book 'Gaidalai Char Barsa' (Four Years to the Rhino), written by Warden Kamal Jung Kunwar, calling it an educational resource for rhino conservation in Nepal. 

In his own book, the writer reflects on his journey into conservation, which began when he was searching for a job in Dhunche, Rasuwa district. During this time, he became a guest of the Chief District Officer. He successfully passed the written test and interview for the position of game scout with the Public Service Commission (PSC) and was 

assigned to Kutumsang in Sindhupalchowk district in May 1990. 

He takes immense pride in having lived in Langtang during his conservation career, often describing the mesmerising beauty of Langtang Valley where he spent a few years, playing in the snow. The writer was also captivated by the magnificent Lirung Peak, Ghodatabela, Chyar Gori, Yala, and Langsisa highlands, where snow leopards, jharals, and ghorals roamed. 

The sight of musk deer grazing in the highland meadows is also something he cherishes. Langtang inspired him to have sweet dreams on snowy nights, and his love for it remains deep and unshakable. He also praises his first boss, Shivaraj Bhatta, the chief warden of Langtang, for being a simple, peaceful man.

The author recounts his experiences as a conservation staff member in Bardia National Park, Shey Phoksundo National Park, and Rara National Park. He also shares memories of his time in Helambu, once known for its apple orchards. However, by the time the writer arrived, the trees bore no apples, only moss. 

He also remembers his first pilgrimage to the sacred Gosainkunda, a renowned religious site, during his time in Helambu.

The author has many memorable encounters with foreigners, particularly with French writer and photographer Eric Valli, who created the film Caravan, set in Dolpa, Nepal. The film was nominated for an Oscar but did not win. Yatri holds fond memories of Valli, describing him as a jolly, inquisitive, hardworking, and persistent individual.

The writer was a firsthand witness to the tragic Thai Airlines plane crash at Ghoptebhir on July 31, 1992, where 113 passengers, including 14 crew members, lost their lives. He reached the crash site the following day to offer his assistance.

Yatri also recalls his time in Shivapuri National Park, which he believes is a vital heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. He emphasises the importance of protecting Shivapuri to preserve Kathmandu as it is. He praises the scenic beauty of Jamacho, Bagdwar, and Shivapuri Peak, from which one can view the entire Himalayan range.

 (The author is a former chief reporter and senior executive editor of RSS.)