By: SAHIL MANZOOR
Catastrophe is certainly a difficult scenario for any population whether it is natural one or manmade. We are well aware about the fact that nature has immense potential to destroy huge masses in fractions. This goes without saying that those living in the remote areas of the valley, particularly in the forests are often faced with such scenarios.
The nomads and shepherds of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir have been facing difficult times particularly during unpleasant weathers and administration is, unfortunately, not paying any heed to this issue and little is done to safeguard such populations or compensate them for the losses they face each season. They have been residing in the mud houses in upper reaches of the valley and have very poor financial condition. Same is the case with the Chopan’s of the valley.
During the recent inclement weather in the valley the tribes of the valley faced severity at the extreme high altitudes. As we know the tribal and nomads of J&K migrate from planes to high altitudes for the grazing purposes for their livestock usually during the summers, the move comes with newer challenges each season.
It’s really heart wrenching that during recent past Tribals and Chopan’s of UT of J&K lost their livestock on large scale and we know that they have no other source of income for their livelihoods. They play a great role in the economy by providing mutton, milk, ghee, wool etc to the entire valley. But eventualities often discourage them and inflict massive losses on them which should be compensated by the administration in order to keep them motivated to stick to their traditional business and lifestyle.
Department of Sheep and Animal Husbandry in Kashmir valley has been empowering the beneficiaries through various channels by introducing new schemes for the interested stakeholders each year. But at the same time it is lacking proper management and has not been able to provide proper shelter arrangements at the grazing areas.
In every district there are selective pasture areas that are being kept for the grazing where the tribal are supposed to migrate during the summers. Government administration should install temporary sheds for the domesticated animals on temporary basis, which should b eco-friendly as well as pollution free. New schemes should be considered for the deprived families during the summers and they should be provided all the essential facilities as they live in these remote forest areas for months together.
sahilmanzoor0401@gmail.com
