Kashmir Impulse Desk
Bhaderwah, April 21
Unseasonal snowfall has added to the hardships of hundreds of nomadic families undertaking their annual migration to high-altitude pastures in Chenab Valley, officials and community members said.
Members of the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities have begun their traditional biannual movement to summer grazing grounds, travelling with livestock across mountainous terrain despite fresh snowfall in higher reaches that has made routes hazardous.
Over the past 10 days, around 250 families have crossed the snowbound Chattergalla pass, situated at an altitude of about 10,500 feet, which links Bhaderwah in Doda district with Basohli in Kathua district, according to officials.
The migration, a centuries-old practice known as transhumance, typically takes more than a month, with families moving from the plains of Kathua, Samba and Jammu districts to alpine meadows in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban.
Travelling with herds of sheep, goats and horses, the nomads navigate steep trails, swollen streams and slippery tracks, conditions worsened this year by late snowfall.
“Though we face life-threatening challenges during migration, we have no option but to continue this way of life,” said Azam Khan, a 70-year-old herder leading his group towards Kishtwar.
Community members said losses during the journey were common, with livestock often perishing due to harsh weather.
“Several of our goats died in snowstorms and food was scarce for days,” said Farida Banoo, 67, who is enroute to Machail.
The migration is critical for the livelihoods of these communities, who depend on highland pastures during the summer months.
Local authorities said steps were being taken to facilitate the movement and ensure safety. Forest officials have deployed teams in the Bhaderwah range to assist families and prevent any hostility as they pass through forest areas.
“Several hundred families have entered the range over the past fortnight, and teams are available round the clock,” said a forest range officer.
Officials also urged local residents to support the nomadic groups, describing them as an integral part of the region’s forest ecosystem with longstanding ties to the land.
The Gujjar and Bakerwal tribes migrate seasonally across the Himalayan region, moving to higher altitudes in summer and returning to the plains in winter, often covering long distances on foot.
