The Society
for Scientific Advancement of Hills & Rural Areas (SAHARA)
is a NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) created to address
the economic needs of the poor people living in the rural
areas adjacent to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP).
This is an important function since the Park has impacted
the lives of these people and they in turn have the potential
to impact the Park. The administration of the Indian Park
service and that of GHNP in particular have been very supportive
of and work closely with SAHARA
Background
The people of these rural areas have historically lived
off the land, basically as subsistence farmers.They tend
mountain agricultural plots, herd their small flocks of
animals, gather wood, medicinal herbs and bamboo from the
forest, and handicraft cloth woven on hand looms and baskets
from bamboo. In spite of being industrious and hard working
these villagers are poor.
