Explanation:

In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir tribal affairs department has provided load carriers for the transportation of nomadic Gujjars, Bakarwals and their livestock during summer migration from the plains to various highland pastures.

A fleet of 40 trucks was flagged off in Jammu recently by the Director of Tribal Affairs department in the presence of Managing Director of J&K State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC), Deputy Director of Tribal affairs (Jammu), and officials of Tribal affairs department.

In line with the announcement made by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir for various tribal welfare measures, the department initiated a special project for the transhumant support system, including transit accommodations and transport facilities for the migratory population.

Transhumance is a form of pastoralism or nomadism organized around the migration of livestock between mountain pastures in warm seasons and lower altitudes the rest of the year.

These transportation trucks have been procured by the Tribal affairs department through the JKSRTC.

There was persistent demand from the migratory tribal community that they face a lot of hardships during migration due to traffic jams and other hindrances and to make their journey smoother, they should be provided some transportation mode.

It was observed that sometimes due to harsh weather conditions, there was loss of livestock and other damages causing a lot of inconvenience to the affected families.

The transportation system put in place by the tribal affairs department will reduce the travel time from 20-30 days on foot to 1-2 days while it will also help in smooth management of traffic.