Lightning Strikes in Jammu and Kashmir, Claiming Lives of 90 Sheep and Goats

Tragic Incident in Ganderbal District

Srinagar, May 11: In a devastating event, lightning struck overnight in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the death of 90 sheep and goats, as reported by local officials on Monday.

According to officials, the livestock belonged to a nomadic family from Rajouri district and were killed when lightning hit a high-altitude forest area in Poshkar Kangan during the night. The affected family has been identified as the Bijrans, specifically Mohmmad Yaseen and Abdul Majeed, sons of Khan Mohammad Bijran, who reside in the Sunderbani region of Rajouri.

The incident took place in the Dhana Dok area of Poshkar, a remote grazing region that is commonly used by migratory tribal families during the summer months. Locals reported that severe weather conditions were present overnight, leading to the discovery of numerous dead animals in the pasture on Monday morning. Initial assessments indicate that the flock was likely struck by lightning during the storm.

This tragic event has resulted in significant financial hardship for the family, whose primary source of income relies on livestock rearing and seasonal migration to higher pastures for grazing.

Authorities, including police and local officials, have been notified to evaluate the extent of the damage. Such incidents are not rare in the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during the summer migration period when nomadic families relocate with their livestock to alpine pastures that are susceptible to sudden weather changes, thunderstorms, and lightning.

Many nomadic goatherds, known as 'Bakarwals', migrate from the plains to the highland pastures of the Valley during the summer months, bringing their families, livestock, and household items to spend over four months in the meadows.

These resilient individuals traverse hundreds of miles on foot each year to manage their livestock, returning to their winter homes in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, and Ramban districts.

The government has established various facilities for Bakarwal families, including mobile schools for their children, and veterinary services that regularly visit the meadows to assist both livestock and families.

Despite their high mobility and consumption of large quantities of milk, butter, and ghee, Bakarwals rarely suffer from lifestyle-related diseases such as fatty liver, hypertension, or diabetes.

Each Bakarwal family typically owns a pair of specially bred shepherd dogs that serve as guardians for their livestock, protecting them from predators like leopards, bears, and jackals.