The seasonal camps established by the Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry Departments at Dobjan in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have emerged as a vital support system for migratory nomads and their livestock during the annual movement to Kashmir’s upper reaches.
An official from the Animal Husbandry Department said the camps, operational from April 15 to October 15 every year, provide free veterinary services, medicines, deworming, vaccination and emergency healthcare to livestock moving through the traditional migratory route connecting Rajouri and Poonch with Kashmir’s alpine pastures.
Veterinary Pharmacist Gulzar Ahmad, who has been posted at the camp since 2011, said the facility has been serving nomadic communities for decades.
“As per my knowledge, these camps have been functioning here for decades. Nomads travelling towards grazing grounds in areas such as Sonamarg, Gulmarg and other upper reaches pass through this route with their livestock. Our priority is deworming and vaccination of animals, besides addressing other health issues,” he said.
The camp caters to sheep, goats, cattle, buffaloes and other livestock owned by nomadic families who spend several months in high-altitude pastures.
According to Gulzar, nomadic communities have become highly aware of livestock healthcare and regularly seek timely deworming, vaccination and nutritional supplements for their animals.
“They know exactly when their animals require medicines, deworming or vaccinations. Their awareness regarding animal health is remarkable,” he said.
He noted that the absence of such facilities could lead to significant losses due to parasitic infestations and preventable diseases.
“If deworming is not carried out on time, livestock can suffer huge losses. The camp plays a crucial role in preventing such risks. The nomadic community gets all these facilities free of cost,” he added.
Apart from routine veterinary services, the camp remains active during emergencies, including adverse weather conditions and natural calamities, coordinating with district authorities and other departments whenever required.
Nomadic pastoralist Gulab Din from Rajouri, who visited the camp for medicines, said the facility provides immense relief to livestock owners undertaking long seasonal migrations.
“We receive medicines for sheep, goats, cattle, buffaloes and even dogs free of cost. This support is extremely beneficial. Without this camp, we would face huge losses,” he said.
He added that livestock owners could suffer financial losses worth lakhs of rupees if timely treatment and preventive care were unavailable during migration.
Health Camp for Nomadic Families
Alongside the veterinary facilities, the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department also operates a seasonal medical camp at Dobjan to cater to the healthcare needs of migratory families.
Junior Pharmacist Ayaz Ahmad, posted at the health camp, said free treatment and medicines are provided to nomads arriving from Rajouri, Poonch and different districts of Kashmir.
“All basic healthcare services are provided free of cost. Patients suffering from minor ailments are treated on the spot, while an ambulance remains stationed at the camp to handle emergencies and facilitate referrals in serious cases,” he said.
Officials said these seasonal camps have become an essential component of the government’s efforts to support migratory communities and safeguard livestock, which remains the primary source of livelihood for nomadic families traversing the Pir Panjal region every year.
About The Author
