MIRZA, Nov 13 � With deforestration taking a toll on valuable timber species in the Rani forest, the alleged illegal collection of wild medicinal plants has become a matter of concern. According to reports, plant species which are rich in medicinal properties found in Gorbhanga RF and Rani RF under East Kamrup Forest are being illegally collected.
Home to 184-odd medicinal plants, the forested landscape sprawling 322.30 hectare area has reportedly been deprived of an adequate conservation and protection mechanism.
Exploiting the loopholes, there is illegal collection of some species. Lack of awareness on the necessity of wild plants species with curative substances among the local populace is also a contributory factor which makes the evil designs of the collectors easier.
While six medicinal plants are the main target, one tree and a creeper are also in the list. Herbs such as Gondhi Kachu, (Homalomena aromatica) Keturi, (Curcuma aromatic), Jestha madhu (Achasma iroglossum), Tarabaghini, Alpiniagalanga Satmul, (Asparagus recemogus) and Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) are reportedly in the list of illegal collection.
Tree species, Bhatghila (Oroxylum indicum) and Anantamul( Tylophroa indica), the creeper are allegedly being supplied by duping the local populace of Chakradeo area under the West Guwahati constituency.
It may be mentioned here that taking the vulnerability and over-exploitation of valuable medicinal plant species seriously, the convention on International Trade in Endanged Species of Wild Fauna and Flora has been made operational. Of the nine species which are protected under CITES, Rauvolfia serpentina is found in the area. Another species figuring in CITES is Elephant�s foot (Dioscorea deltoidea) which is also found in the State.
Insisting on the need of providing equal treatment to the nature�s bounty as far as protection and conservation are concerned, a source was equally emphatic on creating awareness among the people who are living in the forest periphery. To curb the scourge, awareness is the key, said the source.
Meanwhile, a group of elderly people have made a clarion call to bring the forests under sufficient protective cover. �Posters alone cannot serve the purpose. To safeguard our biodiversity, the rich forest landscape, awakening among all of us is of paramount importance, maintained the source.
