(a) whether the Government proposes to put the fungus, cordyceps sinensis, popularly
known as `Keera Jhar` on the list of endangered plants/insects;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to stop large scale smuggling of this sex herb
from Uttaranchal forests as this fungus now faces extinction?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a),(b)& (c) Since no reports have been received from the States harbouring the species
regarding its threatened status, there is no proposal to include it in the list of endangered
plants.
(d) In Uttaranchal, collection of Cordyceps sinensis is restricted and regulated in Van
Panchayat areas only. The State Government of Uttaranchal has for the first time fixed a
royalty of 5% of sale value for this species. In addition, intensive patrolling and camping
has been proposed by the State Govt. especially in summer.