Cattle grazing, herb collection banned in Limi forest

By Our Correspondent,Humla, June 13: A ban has been imposed on grazing livestock and collection of herbs in a forest of Limi village, located across the Himalayas in Namkha Municipality-6, Humla. 

This decision has been taken to protect and manage the natural resources, medicinal herbs, and flora within the forest area of the ward.

According to Ward Chairman Paljor Tamang, the ban was imposed after outsiders began collecting herbs indiscriminately, grazing livestock in the forest, and causing increased destruction to the environment.

A complete ban has been placed on grazing sheep, goats, and cattle in forest areas, herb-producing zones, and other protected areas. These restrictions are applied to everyone except for the locals of the ward.

Chairman Tamang also stated that the rural municipality has banned the collection of medicinal herbs and mineral extraction. Additionally, starting June 11, a three-year ban has been imposed on collecting, picking, digging, or engaging in any commercial activity related to medicinal herbs.

“Anyone found violating this decision will be prosecuted under the prevailing laws. This measure aims to protect natural resources, maintain environmental balance and preserve local biodiversity,” Tamang read out the decision. 

The ward hopes this action will discourage reckless exploitation of forest resources, particularly by outsiders, and ensure that local residents of Limi also refrain from engaging in such harmful practices.