Its too cold at the top in Himachal

With winters setting in and chill in the air, this is the time when shepherds from higher reaches of Kinnaur, Lahul-Spiti,Chamba and Kangra valley start migrating along with their sheep herds to the plains in Himachal and Punjab.

By Nagendra Ranta

Shimla, Nov.27 : With winters setting in and chill in the air, this is the time when shepherds from higher reaches of Kinnaur, Lahul-Spiti,Chamba and Kangra valley start migrating along with their sheep herds to the plains in Himachal and Punjab.

Several shepherds, who maintain a nomadic lifestyle, can be found coming down to the plains from higher reaches of the mountains.

"During summers we migrate from plains to hills and during winter season we migrate from hills to plains with our herd of sheep and goat. We do this every year," said Ramesh Chand, a shepherd representing the "Gaddi" community from Baijnath in Kangra Valley.

During winters the grounds on the hills are covered with snow. It makes the availability of fodder scarce. The shepherds say another reason that compels them to migrate is protect their cattle from rigours of harsh winter in the hills.

"During winters, it snows up there. So we take our sheep to the plains. During summer, we take them back up there. We keep moving to areas wherever they are comfortable" says Arjun Dass, a shepherd from Rampur.

Life remains a challenge for nomadic 'Gaddi' shepherds. They are always on the move round the year. Shrinking grass lands, both in the hills as well as in the plains, has made it difficult for them to raise their cattle.

Grazing their animals is not free of cost.

A minimal fee is charged from shepherds by the government for grazing their animals based on the number of livestock. The shepherds allege that they are being harassed by the authorities while renewing the license.

Moreover, declining forest cover is adding to their concerns as they are always in search for new pastures for grazing their animals.

ANI