Govt notifies transport arrangements for migratory tribal families

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 10: The tribal affairs department in collaboration with J&K Road Transport Corporation and the respective District Administration has notified arrangements for migration of pastoral tribal families from Kashmir region to Jammu, with the onset of winter in highland pastures.  The migration will commence from mid-September from higher reaches and will continue till November 2023.

The administrative council headed by Lieutenant Governor Sh Manoj Sinha has approved the transport service for tribal population during migration as one of the key deliverables, which is being monitored by the Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta regularly.  Finance deptt has earmarked the required budget for this annual facility provided during summer and winter migration. 

Every year the government deputes a fleet of trucks to ease the long-range migration through National Highway-44 and Mughal road.  This year 150 trucks are being deployed to districts. The Deputy Commissioners have notified nodal officers for facilitating migration and making associated arrangements. 

Secretary, Tribal Affairs Deptt, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary reviewed the arrangements with Deputy Commissioners and also complemented their role in facilitating the biannual migration with great efforts. The transport service for pastoral tribal families was put in place in 2021 after the 1st Survey of Transhumance conducted by the department. 

Secretary, Transport Department, G Prasanna Ramaswamy, informed that J&K Road Transport Corporation has conveyed its readiness to deputy commissioners and will provide the trucks as per the demand raised by the districts administration.  DCs have also been authorised to hire trucks and light commercial vehicles at local level for hassle free and timely service. 

Deputy Commissioners of District Pulwama, Anantnag, Ramban, Udhampur, Kulgam, Shopian, Poonch and Rajouri will monitor the migration and put in place required arrangements in coordination with J&K RTC, Animal/Sheep Husbandry Deptt and local authorities.

Meanwhile, TRI J&K has been asked to notify and publicise helpline on radio and all media for wider circulation, to be made available for real time grievance redress.  Helpline numbers have also been noticed by the DCs and nodal officers have been designated. 

Earlier, Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Dr Shahid Choudhary reviewed the arrangement with DCs, RTC and departments.  Besides Dy Commissioners the meeting was attending by MD J&K RTC, Director, Tribal Affairs, Director TRI, Secretary, Advisory Board, Dy Director TAD, Jammu/Kashmir

As per the 1st Survey of Transhumance conducted by the Department of Tribal Affairs under supervision of Secretary, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, the department documented world’s largest Transhumant population in Jammu and Kashmir.