The Tribes and the Environment: A Study of Gujjars and Bakerwals of Kashmir

Abstract

The relation between human life and natural environment has been unnoticed in the discourse of human history while more focus has been on the political and social aspect of human life. Environmental movement has raised the awareness how human attitude to nature have been moulded the cultural and ecological traditions. There are various ethnic groups in the world and every ethnic group uses and misuses its natural resource base. The state of Jammu and Kashmir Gujjars and Bakerwals is one of the largest tribe inhabiting in the mountainous and kandi areas of the state. They migrate annually for their economic activities. They mostly utilise the alpine pastures and grassy lands known as margs in Kashmir. There are certain territories which they pass through at different periods of the year according to their schedule and change of season. This paper will highlight the impact of grazing by the Gujjars and Bakerwal tribe on the pastures and forest areas of Kashmir region right from the time when the scientific forestry began in the state. It will also explore the impact of this tribal group on the sedentary or non-pastoral community of Kashmir with respect to the environment. The study will also highlight the various policies and programmes of the government regarding the pastoral management in Kashmir.