Shimla nomadic tribes face problems during seasonal migration

Shimla, May 12 (ANI): People of the nomadic Gaddi tribal community in Shimla complain that they have faced many problems during their seasonal migration.

They claim that the state government has not done anything for them since several years.

“We are nowadays moving to the hills. In winters, we will return to Sirmour region. We face many difficulties on our way. There is no space on the road to sit. It will be nice if the government does something about it. We pay taxes to the government and now, only the government knows what to do. We cannot say anything,” said Jeet Ram, a shepherd.

They also said that annual meetings of the Gaddi and Gujjar Association with the state government have not been held since four or five years, either, which has prevented the government from redressing their grievances.

Meanwhile, the Department of Animal Husbandry said that the tribals could contact them if they face problems.

“They should have clean drinking water, this is the prime concern of the government. We have constructed hand pumps in the forests, but still if they have problems, I insist that they should contact us, either by phone or in writing. We will try to solve their problems,” said Sukh Ram Choudhary, the Chief Parliamentary Secretary for the state’s Animal Husbandry Department.

He added that the grazing areas for flocks of sheep have been increased over the time and said there is no problem, as such.

He, however, agreed that the special meetings had not been held for years but said that they would be organized every six months. (ANI)