Despite repeated awareness and warnings from authorities, 18 people from Dangchhu Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang are suspected of attempting to collect cordyceps illegally in Lunana. The group travelled to Chumdue in Lunana by private helicopter before the official collection period. Forestry officials and local leaders have since sent them back.
During bumper harvest years, which occur about once every four years, people from other gewogs often try to enter Lunana ahead of the cordyceps collection season.
Officials from Jigme Dorji National Park and local leaders in Lunana Gewog stopped the 18 individuals last week after residents reported their presence in the area.
Officials later sent them back to their respective gewog offices for further action.
According to the Lunana Gewog Administration, permits for cordyceps collection will be issued from the 23rd of this month, and collection will be allowed for one month.
Under the Rules and Regulations for the Collection of Cordyceps 2026, collectors can gather cordyceps only within their gewog boundaries or in areas where they have recognised traditional rights.
However, since Lunana and Sephu Gewog share a boundary at some collection sites, people from Dangchhu and Sephu gewogs often travel to the area during the season.
Lunana Gup Kaka said, “Right after receiving the complaint in our gewog, we sent the Mangmi, Tshogpas, and forestry officials to the site. They met and held discussions with the 18 individuals. At that time, the individuals agreed to leave our area and provided a written undertaking stating that they would not return in the future. While these individuals were staying in our area, there is also complaint that they had stolen ration items belonging to our people from the yak herding places.”
The Lunana Gewog Administration said cases of illegal collection, trespassing and theft are reported during the cordyceps season.
According to the gup, such incidents become more common during bumper harvest years, when cordyceps yields are higher.
“It is extremely important for the government and forestry authorities to take the necessary action without any delay. Moreover, as it is the cordyceps collection season, we would like to request all people from outside to refrain from entering our gewog. Adequate security personnel have been deployed in the area.”
BBS could not contact the individuals involved. However, according to sources, they claimed they travelled to the area to transport rations for the upcoming collection season.
The group has yet to report to the Dangchhu Gewog office.
The Dangchhu gup said the individuals have not reported to the gewog administration so far. He added that the matter will be handled by the concerned authorities according to the law.
Police and park officials are carrying out patrols in Lunana to maintain order and protect the species.
Sources also said about 50 people from Sephu Gewog left early to collect cordyceps before permits were issued.
Last month, the Prime Minister warned that early or illegal collection would face strict legal action.
Dzongdas and gups were also instructed to monitor the situation closely.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
