Dharamshala, June 16
In a major relief for livestock rearers and traditional shepherd communities, the Himachal Pradesh Wool Federation has announced plans to register herders currently grazing livestock without permits and issue them formal grazing permits valid for five years.
Addressing a press conference in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh Wool Federation Chairman Manoj Thakur said the initiative aims to streamline and regularise grazing activities across the state, while reducing the need for repeated administrative procedures for livestock owners.
He said a Grazing Advisory Committee will be constituted to ensure transparency and better management of grazing practices. The committee will include local livestock rearers, panchayat representatives, university experts, and representatives of the Wool Federation. It will periodically review grazing policies and related issues.
Thakur further informed that the Forest Department and the Animal Husbandry Department will jointly develop an online portal for registering livestock rearers and issuing permits in real time. The portal will maintain records of livestock owners, livestock numbers, and migration patterns.
To safeguard traditional grazing heritage from the impact of modern development projects, migratory routes, water sources, and resting points used by shepherds will be geo-tagged. Traditional Gaddi shepherds will also be formally integrated into the system to ensure protection of their livelihoods and grazing rights.
He said forests that have remained closed for grazing over the past seven years will be reopened in a phased manner. The proposed online portal is expected to be developed within the next 6 months to provide updated, accurate information on grazing activities and livestock owners.
The Wool Federation believes the measures will strengthen traditional livestock rearing practices, support shepherd communities and make the grazing management system more transparent and organized across Himachal Pradesh.
