Baramulla, Nov 09: As the winter season commences, the district administration in Baramulla has issued directives to the Department of Sheep Husbandry and the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) to collaborate in transporting nomadic pastoralists to warmer areas for the season.
Dr. Showkat Ahmad Ahanger, the District Sheep Husbandry Officer in Baramulla, told Rising Kashmir that a total of 30 trucks facilitated the migration of 150 families along with 1266 livestock to Poonch, Reasi, Rajouri, Sunderbani, and Nowshera areas.
“The pastoralists were picked up from various locations across Baramulla, including Sagipora, Natihpora Younisa, Hardushiva, Sopore Seer Jagir, Gantmulla, Tappar, Pattan Singhpora, Tangmarg, Hamray, Renji, and Khanpora areas,” he said.
Dr. Ahanger emphasized the significance of the downward migration of Gujjar Bakarwals from highland pastures.
He highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Department of Sheep Husbandry Baramulla and Jammu and Kashmir SRTC, under the guidance of the district administration, to ensure the safe transportation of these nomadic pastoralists to their homes.
“These pastoralists have been pivotal in the development of the Union Territory’s livestock sector for several decades,” he added.
Dr. Ahanger further said, “Every possible effort has been made for the convenience and safety of these tribal people, including registration at the nearest SDB/SEC, pick-up points tailored to their convenience, and necessary veterinary interventions for the ailing livestock delivered at their doorstep.”
A sheep husbandry official Adil Ahmad said that the initiative aims to ensure a safe and secure journey for the nomadic pastoralists along with their livestock, underscoring the administration’s commitment to their well-being during the winter migration.
