Bhaderwah, Apr 21: Amid unseasonal snowfall, hundreds of Gujjar and Bakerwal tribes have begun their centuries-old biannual migration to the highland pastures of Jammu and Kashmir’s Chenab Valley, braving harsh conditions.
The nomads and their livestock embarked on their traditional routes last week, signalling the start of the seasonal transhumance. The movement comes notwithstanding fresh, or rather unusual, snowfall in several higher-altitude areas, which has made the passage particularly risky.
Hundreds of families have been traversing through the plains of Kathua, Samba and Jammu districts towards the high-altitude meadows of the Chenab Valley, a journey that would take at least a month to reach the summer pastures.
According to official figures, in the past 10 days, 250 nomadic families have crossed the 10,500-foot-high snow-bound Chattergalla check post, connecting Bhaderwah in Doda district with Basohli in Kathua district.
Accompanied by herds of sheep, goats, and horses, the families have been navigating steep mountain trails, swollen streams, and slippery tracks, exposing themselves to significant challenges.
Officials said the migration is crucial for the sustenance of these communities, as they depend on highland grazing grounds during the summer months.
Each year, as winter recedes and spring sets in across the Jammu region, the Gujjar and Bakerwal tribes embark on their centuries-old migration, revitalising the highland pastures of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts in the Chenab Valley.
“Though we face numerous life-threatening challenges during migration, we have been in this profession since time immemorial. We have no option but to continue this extremely difficult way of life, which has been passed down by our forefathers,” Abdul Majeed (85), a resident of Basholi in Kathua who is leading his group to Paddar in Kishtwar, told PTI.
Majeed said that every year, the community loses livestock, including goats and horses, during the arduous journey due to harsh weather conditions, adding that even children and the elderly have, at times, lost their lives. He also said that there have been little to no government assistance.
“Due to snowstorms along the 15-km route between Sarthal and Guldanda, several of our goats died. Food was also scarce for three consecutive days (last week). We now hope to reach our destination in Machail safely,” Nishata Begum, 63, said.
She said what was once a time of joy during migration has now turned into a period marked by the loss of hard-earned livestock, compounded by instances of hostility and discrimination from locals.
Begum said despite her two sons being graduates and belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category, they were unable to secure government jobs and were ultimately compelled to continue the centuries-old occupation of their forefathers.
Saddam Chohan, 14, said the journey to the high-altitude meadows brought him face-to-face with harsh realities at Chattergalla, where several goats perished in a snowstorm before his eyes, leaving him helpless.
He said the family has little choice but to continue the profession practised by his father and grandfather.
Bhaderwah Divisional Forest Officer Devinder Kumar has formed a team of officials, led by Range Officer Sameer Rishu, to ensure that the nomads do not face any hostility from anyone while passing through forest areas.
“Several hundred families have entered the Bhaderwah forest range over the past fortnight, and our team is there to receive them round the clock, as many continue their journey even during night hours,” Rishu said.
The officer urged locals not to view the nomadic tribes as trespassers but to welcome them as guests, emphasising that they are an integral part of the forest ecosystem.
He said the communities share a centuries-old, symbiotic relationship with the forests — relying on them for food, shelter and livelihoods while also conserving biodiversity through sustainable practices.
“Their culture, beliefs and traditional knowledge are deeply rooted in nature, making them custodians of the forests rather than mere users,” Rishu said.
Tribal nomads traditionally move with their livestock to the upper slopes of the northern Himalayas during the summer, and return to the plains in winter after covering hundreds of miles on foot along serpentine tracks.
