Women in Uttarakhand protect native bees in traditional mud house walls

Women in the Uttarakhand Himalayan region of India maintain traditional wall hives to protect the Indian honey bee (Apis cerana indica) from harsh mountain weather.

These rectangular cavities are built directly into the mud walls of homes, providing insulation against rain, storms, and extreme cold. The women manage the colonies as a cultural custom, feeding the bees amaranth or hemp seed powder during the winter when food is scarce.

The practice serves as a vital sanctuary for native bees facing environmental threats. Nagma Parveen, an assistant professor at Kumaun University, says the survival of this specific bee species in the region depends on the stewardship of local women. This is especially true as many men have moved away from rural villages to find jobs elsewhere. Modern construction and climate change are threatening this traditional ecosystem.

A study in the Chamoli district showed that the percentage of traditional houses fell from 61% before 1980 to 26% between 2001 and 2010. Because modern cement houses do not accommodate bees, the average number of wall hives per home dropped to 8.4 by 2010. Changing weather patterns and heavy rains have also reduced honey yields. Resident Saraswati Devi says harvests have dropped from roughly 3 kilograms per hive to between 1 and 2 kilograms.

While the wall hives provide safety during storms, deforestation and habitat destruction continue to drive bees out of their natural wild habitats.