Common Resources and Sustainable Livelihood of Mountain Environment: A Micro-Level Experience of Upper Kullu Valley

Abstract

"The term common property resources denotes the property that has no restrictions placed on its use. The whole community of a particular area has right to use the resource or property to fulfil their needs and aspirations. The term has originated from British villager's practice of using certain area -for, among other things, collectively grazing their animals and cutting firewood. Gradually, common property resources have been converted to common resources as the inhabitants do not have proprietary right, but only use right due to the process of privatization of the resources. The common lands have been distributed among the landless households under the policy of Natur Land Act 1936. Ongoing degradation of the forest due to ever increasing pressure of livestock as well as human population forced, the Forest Department to prohibit the grazing in forest area. Consequently, this lead a crisis of fodder and fuel among the local communities."