Srinagar (Azadi Times) – With the rising temperatures in the plains of Jammu, the Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes have started their annual seasonal migration to the upper regions of Kashmir. This centuries-old tradition sees the nomadic communities, particularly the Gujjars and Bakarwals, move to cooler, higher-altitude grazing grounds for the next few months. The migration typically begins around April each year, with herders traveling with their livestock, including sheep, goats, cattle, and horses.
The Bakarwal tribes from Rajouri and Poonch traverse long routes through locations such as Falyaz, Behram Gali, Chandi Mar, Poshana, Tatta Pani, Peer Ki Gali, and eventually reach Srinagar and Sonamarg. Upon reaching the Valley, they set up camps in grazing meadows in areas like Pahalgam, Peer Ki Gali (Shopian), Doodhpathri, Yusmarg, Bangus Valley (Kupwara), Gurez, and the higher reaches of Sonamarg, staying until September. The herders, both nomadic and local, also bring livestock from various regions of the Valley.
Government records indicate that there are more than 1.5 million Gujjars and Bakarwals in Jammu and Kashmir, with approximately 500,000 being nomadic. These communities are heavily dependent on livestock for their livelihood. Sonamarg remains the most popular destination for Bakarwal migrations, with official registration of herders taking place in Ganderbal, Naranag, and Haknar.
According to the Sheep Husbandry Department, there are approximately 200,000 livestock in the Ganderbal and Kangan areas, and an additional 500,000 sheep and goats are brought from other regions to Sonamarg. Last year, around 500,000 sheep and goats migrated with Bakarwals to Sonamarg, but this number has increased to 550,000 this year, reflecting a 3% annual rise in livestock.
This year, over 17,000 sheep and goats from Budgam district and 20,000 from Pulwama were brought for grazing. The majority of these nomadic herders come from Rajouri and Poonch. They travel to places like Vishansar, Gangbal, Machoi Valley, Lenderwas, Gadsar, and numerous other temporary grazing camps scattered across Sonamarg and its neighboring areas.
While the Sheep Husbandry Department sets up over 10 camps across various locations for medical support and vaccination against livestock diseases, the lack of communication infrastructure in some remote areas poses challenges. Despite these difficulties, the migration remains a vital aspect of the Gujjar and Bakarwal way of life.
An official from an organization working for the welfare of Gujjars and Bakarwals told Azadi Times that 50,000 Gujjars and Bakarwals migrate annually from Rajouri and Poonch to various areas of Kashmir, particularly to Budgam, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg. These migrations play a crucial role in sustaining their traditional way of life and preserving their cultural heritage.
