Livelihood of Two Local Communities and Their Dependence on Forest Resources: A Case Study from Western Himalaya, Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir, India

Abstract

We examined the livelihood of two local communities (Kashmiri & Gujjar) and their dependence on forest resources. New Theed and Mulnar are two villages situated at the northern-west boundary of Dachigam National Park (DNP). The population of New Theed is mainly belonging to the Kashmiri community while the Mulnar residents are from Gujjar community. Data were collected through random questionnaire survey from New Theed 101 and Mulnar 32 households (33% and 46%). It was found that about 21 % and 93.75% of households from Kashmiri and Gujjar communities were totally or partially dependent on DNP for their subsistence. With per capita fuel wood consumption of 1.09 and 4.04 kg/day, the average annual fuel wood consumption was found to be 0.39 and 3.92 metric ton per household of respective communities. According to household questionnaire survey, the average annual fuel wood collection was found to be lower (0.21 & 1.57 metric tons/household) compared to the measured quantity (5.19 & 7.32 metric tons/household) calculated on the basis of head loads being taken out of DNP. Moreover, 22% of Kashmiri community and 65% of Gujjar community collected green fodder from the forest for their livestock. Other resources collected from DNP were medicinal plants, honey, vegetables and fish, as well as timber. The harsh climatic conditions of the area, inappropriate supply of alternative fuels and bad condition of roads are the driving forces of higher fuel wood consumption for Gujjar community. Moreover, dependence on forest resources for subsistence is high among the Gujjar community due to high illiteracy rate and unemployment.