Summary:
The seasonal migration of tribal nomads has started in Kashmir with the arrival of the several families of the nomadic tribal community on the way along with their livestock to upper reaches of Himalayas including Sonamarg Drass and Kargil. Nomadic Bakerwals begin their seasonal migration after the second week of April to the upper reaches of Shivalik PirPanjal Sonamarg and Drass hills of the Himalayas to escape the rising temperature in the plains. Last year the country-wide lockdown to curb the spread of the Covid-19 had disrupted the migration of thousands of Bakerwals and Gujjars. The government's decision to open the Mughal Road and allow migration of the Bakerwals in spite of the lockdown has been seen as a welcome step. Meanwhile the administration has set up screening posts for the nomads and livestock at different places enroute..