6.4. Case Study – Integrated Tribal Development Project in Bharmaur Region

Bharmaur tribal area comprises Bharmaur and Holi tehsils of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a notified tribal area since 21 November 1975. Bharmaur is inhabited by ‘Gaddi’, a tribal community who have maintained a distinct identity in the Himalayan region as they practised transhumance and conversed through Gaddiali dialect. The region mostly lies between 1,500 m to 3,700 m above mean sea level and experiences freezing weather conditions and snowfall in winter.

Bharmaur is a tribal area located in Himachal Pradesh, characterized by its high altitude and form of livelihood. The Gaddi people, who inhabit this area, are known for their unique culture and lifestyle, particularly their transhumance practice, which involves moving with their livestock across different elevations to find better grazing areas. Due to its geography, the region faces harsh climate conditions, including cold winters with snowfall. This environment impacts the local economy and living conditions significantly.

Imagine a family of shepherds living in a high mountainous region, similar to the Gaddi community. They move from one valley to another with their flocks of sheep as seasons change, much like seasonal travelers, ensuring their animals have enough food and shelter. This practice isn't just about survival but also about maintaining their cultural ties and traditions.

Historically, the Gaddis have experienced geographical and political isolation and socio-economic deprivation. The economy is largely based on agriculture and allied activities such as sheep and goat rearing.

The Gaddi community faces numerous socio-economic challenges, primarily due to their isolation from more developed areas. Their livelihoods are heavily dependent on agriculture and animal husbandry, which can be difficult in harsh climatic conditions. Access to markets for their products can also be limited, leading to economic hardship.

Think about a farmer in a remote village who grows vegetables and raises chickens. Despite their hard work, they may struggle to sell their produce because the nearest market is far away. Similarly, the Gaddis face challenges in selling their livestock and crops, which impacts their overall well-being.

The process of development of tribal area of Bharmaur started in 1970s when Gaddis were included among ‘scheduled tribes’. Under the Fifth Five Year Plan, the tribal sub-plan was introduced in 1974, and Bharmaur was designated as one of the five Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDP) in Himachal Pradesh.

The ITDP initiative began in the 1970s to address the development needs of scheduled tribes like the Gaddis. By designating Bharmaur as an ITDP area, specific focus was placed on improving living conditions through targeted development programs. These programs aim to enhance education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for the tribal population.

Consider a new program initiated by a government to improve schools and healthcare in a distant village. This is similar to how the ITDP focuses on specifically uplifting the Gaddi community by creating better access to essential services they need for improved living standards.

The most significant contribution of the ITDP in Bharmaur region is the development of infrastructure in terms of schools, healthcare facilities, potable water, roads, communications, and electricity.

One of the primary successes of the ITDP has been the establishment of essential infrastructure, which includes schools that improve literacy rates, healthcare facilities that enhance community health, and better roads and communication links that aid in commerce and connectivity. This infrastructure development is crucial for rural areas that previously lacked such services, enabling socioeconomic growth.

Think of it like building a bridge in a community that for years had difficulty reaching the other side of the river. With the bridge, people can easily access schools, hospitals, and markets, leading to better education and improved health. Similarly, the infrastructure developed under the ITDP connects the Gaddi community with broader opportunities.

The social benefits derived from ITDP include increased literacy rate, improvement in sex ratio, and decline in child marriage. The female literacy rate in the region increased from 1.88 per cent in 1971 to 65 per cent in 2011.

The ITDP has led to significant social transformations in the Bharmaur region. By focusing on education, particularly for women, there has been a marked rise in female literacy, which is key to empowering women and improving community health and economic stability. Additionally, efforts to address social issues such as gender inequality and child marriage have been implemented, leading to more equitable conditions within the community.

Imagine a young girl in a village who is now allowed to attend school, thanks to new educational programs. Her education empowers her to seek opportunities beyond traditional roles, just like many girls in Bharmaur now have chances to learn and succeed, changing the community's future for the better.

Traditionally, the Gaddis had a subsistence agricultural-cum-pastoral economy. But during the last three decades of the twentieth century, the cultivation of pulses and other cash crops has increased in Bharmaur region.

Over the years, the economic practices of the Gaddi community have evolved. Initially focused on subsistence farming, there has been a shift towards cultivating cash crops, which typically yield better financial returns. However, this shift has also brought challenges as more resources are needed for these more intensive agricultural practices.

Think of a farmer who decides to switch from growing just corn for their family to planting strawberries that can be sold at the market. This decision can lead to more income, but it also requires different farming techniques and potentially greater risks.

The notion of sustainable development is important for the future of Bharmaur as it focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations. It emphasizes environmental balance and socio-economic improvement.

Sustainable development is essential for ensuring that future generations of the Gaddi community can thrive while preserving their environment and culture. Initiatives involve balancing economic growth with ecological health to ensure that resources are not depleted. The focus is on long-term viability rather than short-term gains.

Imagine planting a tree that will one day provide fruit for generations to come. By ensuring that the tree is healthy and cared for, we ensure that future generations will enjoy its benefits, much like sustainable practices in Bharmaur aim to secure resources and well-being for the future.

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