Five arrested with illegally extracted Kashmal roots

The Chamba police have arrested five persons for transporting illegally extracted Kashmal roots (Berberis aristata) near Darakunda Nullah area under the jurisdiction of the Nakrod Police Post in Churah subdivision. Operation was carried out on Monday when a police team led by ASI Suresh Kumar intercepted a suspicious vehicle during a routine night patrol.

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The vehicle, a pickup truck, was found loaded with Kashmal roots, a protected forest product. The vehicle was occupied by the driver and four other individuals.

Upon questioning, the driver identified himself as Gyan Singh, a 31-year-old resident of Palanoti village in Churah tehsil. The other individuals were identified as Chuni Lal (36), Saini Kumar (35), Ramesh (42) and Diwan Chand (48), all residents of nearby villages.

The detainees admitted to uprooting the roots from a forest. The police after detaining the suspects and their vehicle handed over the offenders to the forest department.

In yet another operation the Forest Department also seized a pick-up truck transporting Kashmal roots. In total, around 20 quintals of Kashmal roots were seized. The vehicles were released after realising penalties.

The evergreen Kashmal shrub, native to the Himalayan region, is valued for its medicinal properties, including treatments for jaundice, diabetes and eye infections. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic compounds are also under research for their potential to inhibit cancer cell growth.

The Forest Department issues permits for extraction of the roots from private land every year and in some cases from forest area. However, this year the government imposed a ban on its extraction after several ‘complaints of large-scale illegal extraction of Kashmal roots in Chamba’s remote region. However, permits for transportation of already extracted roots under valid permits have been extended till February 15.

Meanwhile, residents in Jhulada, Kuther, Masroond and Kohal panchayats held a meeting on Monday raising serious concerns over illegal extraction of Kashmal roots from forest under the pretext of extraction from private land.

The meeting was attended by environmentalist Ratan Chand Maan Singh, a former panchayat pradhan.

Villagers emphasised that Kashmal was not just an ordinary shrub but a boon to the Earth. It prevents soil erosion, helps retain ground moisture, and serves as a food source for wildlife. Monkeys and birds feed on its fruit, which in turn reduces crop damage for farmers. Additionally, Kashmal plays a vital role in maintaining water levels in rivers and streams.

They expressed concern that the Himalayan region is at risk and illegal extraction of Kashmal may imbalance the ecology. They demanded an investigation into the Kahsmal extracted from forest lands and criticised the government’s decision to extend the transportation period of Kashmal, stating that the move may lead to further large-scale exploitation of this valuable resource. The villagers urged the government to take measures to curb illegal extraction.