Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 5: Noted tribal researcher, Dr Javaid Rahi has demanded that the tribal Gujjars and Bakerwals are provided with the proper training to deal with the natural disasters as changing climate has been adversely affecting their centuries-old practice of bi-annual migration.
The nomadic tribes, according to him, are losing lives and animals every year due to these adversities, and this number is increasing every year.
Dr. Rahi explained that the Gujjars-Bakkarwals started moving towards the higher grounds with their animals due to the early onset of summer in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and other adjoining areas, and as a result, they either get stuck in the midway or face a number of adversities when they enter cold areas like Valley of Kashmir or Per Panchal region. They face a shortage of fodder, sudden snow/rainfall, and many other problems.
Dr. Rahi urged tribal communities to take extra measures to meet these sudden adversities, which are growing day by day in view of changing climate.
He also appealed to the educated youth of the society to provide scientific knowledge to the tribes to avoid losses of lives and livestock.
While the nomadic Gujjars and Bakarwal have traditionally used their knowledge to manage the threats of cloudbursts, landslides, thundering, and lighting in hilly and forest areas of J&K and Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Rahi suggested that they should also receive disaster management training.
He urged the Tribal Affairs Department of J&K to arrange such training for nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals youth and equip them to face natural adversities during their day-to-day life.
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