Musk deer are losing their natural saviours since several people from a little known Martoli village in Pithoragarh district, where musk deer roam freely as locals shower love on them, migrated in the recent past due to lack of proper road connectivity and basic amenities. In the long run, it may prove fatal for the lives of the precious musk deer.
located in tough terrains, the village has a large number of Bhoj Patra trees. The trees flourish under voluntary supervision and protection of the locals. Among the hedges of trees, musk deer wanders freely. Every resident of Martoli takes protection of the rare musk deer as his first and foremost duty which they perform religiously.
Even picking up dry wood from under the trees is completely prohibited. No one has permission for it. Deputy Inspector General (CID) GS Martolia, who belongs to the village, reveals, “No one is allowed to collect the dry woods scattered under the bhoj patra trees. The fact is known to everyone in the village. Permission is granted to the residents only who has guests visiting his house.”
Presence of musk deer and Bhoj Patra trees in and around his village makes Martolia proud. “Martoli residents have huge love for the deer. Visit the village, even today you would find musk deer wandering freely there. It is really a matter of pride to have musk deer, famous for its preciousness, and trees of Bhoj Patra, the valuable rare trees, in vicinity,” Martolia said. He is concerned about the fate of his village as well as musk deer.
While the deer is precious, village has treasure of natural beauty. To protect the treasure, Martolia took efforts and drew attention of the officials towards the problems that beset the residents. He organised a seminar during last June in the district to make the senior officials aware about the ground zero. lack of facilities and poor road connectivity has triggered the migration from the village. While serving as superintendent of police in Pithoragarh, Martolia also charted out a plan for stopping the migration.
More than 40 people left the village during last few years. The figure might appear little, but it is big one for any hilly village. Martolia said, “Villagers are true protectors of the musk deer and Bhoj Patra trees. When they would not be there, threat to the musk deer may increase.” He also indicated that the situation may draw ‘attention’ of the poachers who may take advantage of it.
Even today, people have to walk several kilometers to reach the far-flung village, 42 km from Millu, that is 62 km from Munsyari. Reaching the village is not less than an ordeal for the natives of the village who, at present, are settled in the metros and other cities.