Reckong Peo / Taranda | Bisheshar negi :
The Chaura and Taranda Panchayats, situated at the entry point of Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, have taken a tough stance against outsiders bringing livestock for grazing without valid permits. The panchayats have issued a clear warning: any illegally brought animals will be seized and auctioned as per regulations if not removed immediately.
Despite repeated warnings, some members of the Gujjar community continue to bring buffaloes, horses, goats, and sheep into forest areas and community pastures during the summer months without permits or exceeding the permitted numbers. This is causing fodder shortages for local livestock and putting immense pressure on forest resources, say village representatives.
In a joint statement, Taranda Panchayat’s President Hari Bhagat, Vice Govind Moyan, Durga mata motmeen Sher Singh Negi, and Choura Panchayat’s President Vijay Negi along with Deputy Jai Singh expressed concern over a new trend—permits being taken in someone else’s name, clearly violating the rules. They also appealed to a minister from a royal family and their relatives, who reportedly have hundreds of animals grazing in the region under their names.
Additionally, they pointed out that the Forest Department has been issuing permits for up to six years without any field inspection, unlike earlier when forest officers used to inspect grazing grounds annually before granting permission. In recent years, the number of livestock permitted has also tripled, contradicting past agreements where numbers were supposed to decrease.
Taranda Panchayat Vice President Govind Moyan informed that a joint inspection team comprising officials from the police, revenue, forest, and animal husbandry departments will soon visit forest and community grazing lands for ground verification.
He also highlighted that Punjab, Shimla, Theog, and nearby areas have brought livestock by the some gujjar into their pastures and are even charging high fees from those who care for their animals. This influx has led to overgrazing, which in turn has reduced the quality and quantity of grass, especially in areas like Kholar and Sarkhund, where once lush green pastures are now deteriorating.
Traditional Grazing Rights Being Violated
Locals have complained that external herders are not allowing them access to their traditional grazing lands, severely impacting their customary rights (Wajib-ul-Arz). Local livestock owners are being denied access to pastures they’ve used for generations, leading to growing discontent in the community.
Forest Department Promises Action
The Forest Department has taken note of the villagers’ complaints and has assured that on-ground inspections will be conducted soon. If irregularities are found, the existing permit system may be reviewed and revised, said sources.
🔍 Analysis: A Test of Policy and Rights in a Fragile Eco-Zone
This issue is no longer just a matter of local governance. It has evolved into a critical test of environmental conservation, traditional rights, and administrative integrity in a fragile ecological region like Kinnaur. The proactive steps taken by the panchayats could potentially lead to policy-level reforms in the state’s grazing and forest management systems.
