April snowfall deepens crisis for nomadic tribes on biannual seasonal migration in J&K’s Bhaderwah

Bhaderwah April 21: Facing hazardous weather conditions triggered due to unprecedented April snowfall in the upper reaches of Chenab Region, Bakerwal tribal communities have begun their biannual migration (transhumance) from the plains of Jammu to the high-altitude pastures of Doda and Kishtwar districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Hundreds of tribal nomadic families on migration with their cattle are facing issues this year during their journey to high altitude pasture lands especially while crossing snow filled Chattergalla Pass as the same has become increasingly treacherous due to erratic weather, including unexpected snowstorms, heavy rain, and sudden avalanches.

Every year, as winter gives way to spring in the Jammu region, the nomads of the Bakarwal and Gujjar tribes set out on their seasonal migration, a tradition they have practised for centuries.

“Although we are facing numerous life threatening challenges during our migration but we are in this profession since times immomrial and have no other option but to carry forward this extremely diffcult profession which our forefathers have passed on to us,” said Abdul Majeed of Basholi. 

“Every year our goats, horses and sometimes even toddlers and elderly die while on seasonal migration due to hostile weather but we never get any aid from government,” Abdul Majeed, 85, added. 

Hundreds of nomadic Bakerwal families start their biannual migration with their thousands of livestock (Goats, horses) from the plains of Kathua, Samba and Jammu districts towards high altitude meadows of hilly Doda And Kishtwar districts, which take them atleast one month to reach to their respective summer grasslands. 

“Due to a snowstorm at Sarthal and Chattergalla, several young goats died. We also remained without food for three days at a stretch. We hope to reach our destination at Machail in the Padder area of Doda district safely,” said Nishata Begum (63) of Kathua. 

“Earlier, we used to rejoice during the migration period, but now it has become a time of mourning the loss of our hard-earned livestock, besides facing hostility and the unfriendly behavior of locals,” Nishata added that her two sons are graduates, but despite belonging to the ST category, they have not been able to secure government jobs. As a result, they were compelled to take up the profession that their forefathers had practiced for centuries..  

“Initially, I was very excited to venture on the journey to the high altitude meadow from our home in Lakhanpur but after reaching Chattergalla, I tasted the harsh reality of migration as several goats died in the snowstorm in front of me and I could do nothing but to watch as a spectator,” said Saddam Chohan, 14, adding that he has no other option but to carry with the profession which his father and grandfather have been practicing. 

Meanwhile, DFO Bhaderwah Devinder Kumar has formed a team of officials, led by Range Officer Sameer Rishu, to ensure that nomads on migration do not face any hostility from anyone while passing through forest areas. 

“Severel hundered families have entered Bhaderwah forest during last fortnight and our team is there to welcome them round the clock as they continue their journey even during night hours as well,” Said Sameer Rishu, Range Officer Neeru Range of Bhaderwah Forest Division. 

“My request to locals is that don’t treat the tribals as trespassers but as guests because they are an integral part of the forest ecosystem, sharing a symbiotic, centuries-old relationship where they rely on forests for food, shelter, and livelihoods while actively conserving biodiversity through sustainable practices.” Rishu added.

He said that their culture, beliefs, and traditional knowledge are deeply rooted in nature, making them guardians of the forest rather than mere users. 

According to the figures at Chattergalla check post, 250 Bakerwal families have crossed checkpoint during last 10 days. 

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 the serpentine tracks.

According to official statistics, there are about 2.5 million Gujjar and Bakarwal in Jammu and Kashmir state. Of whom around 500,000 are nomads who rear buffalo, sheep, goats and horses for their survival.