No takers for Mussoorie’s seasonal wild berries this year

MUSSOORIE: 'Kingod' and 'Hissar', the wild berries found on the periphery of Mussoorie town during June-July, are usually in high demand among local residents. Even though rapid urbanisation has affected the growth, residents still eagerly wait for these berries. But this year, due to the lockdown and fear of contracting Covid-19, there are no takers.
“In the summer we would usually forage for the berries.That has stopped for two years due to lockdown and Covid fear,” said Rohit Kanoujia, a resident.
“Usually we would go to the town's outskirts where these berries are available. This year, we are missing its taste,” said Rakesh Rawat, another resident.
“These berries are not only tasty, but also full of medicinal properties,” Rajendra Rohilla, a local, pointed out.
'Kingod' (Berberis aristata) has a sweet and sour taste and is considered useful for diabetes, skin disease, jaundice and eye infections. 'Hissar' (Rubus ellipticus) or Himalayan Raspberry is considered useful for treating fever, colic cough and sore throat.
Increasing urbanisation has led to reduction in the availability of these wild berries as well.
Mussoorie-Hathipaon road, Camel’s back road towards Gunhill, Tehri bypass road towards Jabarkhet and Cloud end are a few areas around the town where these berries are still available.