Shaligram smuggling rampant from Kaligandaki

MYAGDI: Ammonite stones, rare and precious stones with religious values, are on verge of extinction from Kaligandaki River owing to unchecked smuggling.

Hindus believe that ammonite stones, popularly called Shaligram in Nepali, are a form of Lord Bishnu.

There has been unlawful extraction and smuggling of the priceless national heritage which is only found in Kaligandaki.

Though then Chief District Officer of Myagdi, Ram Bahadur Kurumbang, had conceived an idea and formed a committee to check illegal trade of the stones, it is almost defunct now.

An effort was made to preserve ammonite stones few years back under the leadership of Chairperson of the Galeswor Area Development Trust, Rudra Bahadur KC.

During the period, three Indian nationals were found to have involved in extracting and smuggling ammonite stones.

Even now, people from Indian origin are maneuvering to operate open and unlawful trade of the stone in the area, said main priest of Galeswor Temple, Yam Prasad Acharya.

However, CDO Tek Bahadur KC said there is no complaint lodged at District Administration Office about the extactions.

The Aurvedic health science has stated that it has high medicinal value to heal abdominal diseases and boost mental development.

The ammonite stone also has yellow metal substance inside so its smuggling is on the rise for trade purpose, said Pundit Rangaraj Shahstri, a researcher of the stone.