There are certain local communities that have been identified (usually based on their past or present occupation). Some important ones (based on information compiled by Voluntary Health Association of India Punjab) are:
1. Bishnois-followers of Guru Jambeshwar, concentrated in Abohar area of Punjab.
2. Gaddis – nomads from Himachal Pradesh & Jammu & Kashmir who visit Punjab Shivaliks during winters
3. Gujjars – nomads from plains visiting Punjab Shivaliks during rabi harvest.
4. Chirimaar– locals thriving on bird trade
5. Choohamaar – expert in killing rat populations from fields
6. Ad-dharmi – local religious sect
7. Kabirpanthi, Julaha - spinners
8. Balmiki- an important scheduled caste
9.Bazigar – nomads making a living through performing arts & tricks
10. Nat-residents making a living through performing arts & tricks
11. Banjara – nomads earning a living by singing & dancing
12.Chamar, Jatia Chammar, Rehgar, Raigar, Ramdasi, Ravidasi-important scheduled castes
13. Mazhabi-a sikh sect
14. Sansi, Bhedkut, Manesh – a community notorious for crimes
15. Sapala – locals who use snakes to make a living
16. Sikligar- roaming tribe which make and sell utility items made of iron like iron platters used in cooking
17. Bauria, Bewaria- scheduled caste of Punjab who help in agriculture
18. Deha, Dhaya, Dhea- scheduled tribes which collect waste materials like polythene bags etc.
19. Dumna, Mahasha, Doom- a tribe which usually sings during wedding ceremonies
20. Dhanak- a tribe working in grain markets for cleaning of grains
Research Projects
The project entitled “Development of conservation strategies for Withania coagulans : an important endangered medicinal plant” has been funded to Agriculture Department, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab.
Expected Outcome: The study will help mass propagation and establishment of Withania coagulans thereby enabling the conservation of endangered medicinal plant.