LOCAL HERDERS IN MOUNTAIN REGION

Visiting a family who has been majorly impacted by the addition of national conservation lands for their herding occupation-- Jodhpur, India.

Now that the Indian government has restricted access to mountain lands for the preservation of wildlife, families like this one are facing roadblocks to traditional herding practices. Leading their herd to higher grazing lands during the warmer season has become difficult and they are forced to take a much longer path around the newly claimed land. With the risk of cattle not making the trek and the additional time needed, the tradition of herding in these regions is strained. For the next generation, they wish for their children to get focus on their education -- to not follow in their parents footsteps. However, government schools are full and NGO's are scarce so finding a steady education system for the constantly moving children is a challenge. Currently, the father of the family is using his knowledge of the forrest around him to make money. The government commissions these displaced herders to prune nearby trees and gather firewood for retail. With the division of this land, none of it has been given to the local communities who have maintained and lived on it for generations. He states, "This land has been maintained by our people and used by our people for centuries. Now, it is no longer ours."