People in Karnataka, if you’ve been planning a trekking trip to enjoy nature, there’s an important update for you. On Tuesday, the Karnataka government suspended trekking expeditions and public movement in all wildlife-sensitive forest areas across the state with immediate effect. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Has Karnataka Temporary Closed All Trekking Routes?
According to Hindustan Times, prioritising public safety, especially that of trekkers, the Karnataka Forest Department has temporarily shut down all trekking trails and thoroughfares in areas with active wildlife movement across the state. This decision follows the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy who was dragged away and mauled by a leopard at the MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district.
On Sunday, 10-year-old Harishith from Bengaluru was walking with his family to the Nagamale hill shrine, a remote hilltop temple, when he was suddenly attacked by a leopard. The animal dragged him away from the group and mauled him to death on the spot. Earlier in January, another pilgrim was attacked in a similar manner at the same shrine.
Now, all trekking routes and thoroughfares in regions inhabited by leopards, tigers, elephants, bears, and other wildlife, particularly where instances of human-wildlife conflict have been reported, will remain closed to the public until further notice.
Also Read: What New Guidelines Has Karnataka Rolled Out For Homestays And B&Bs After The US Tourist Case?
Here’s All You Need To Know About This
Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Eshwar B Khandre, has directed that people should be allowed to walk on Mahadeshwara Hill only during the Shivaratri and Ugadi fairs. He added that, instead of permitting the full 14 km trek to Nagamale, access should be restricted to just 3 km, HT reported.
He also suggested introducing a guided walking service equipped with walkie-talkies and essential safety gear. Additionally, more forest personnel will be deployed during these periods to ensure public safety. Authorities are also planning to make it mandatory for devotees visiting Nagamale to travel by jeep from the designated ticket counter.
Also Read: 2.7 Billion-Year-Old Yana Caves In Karnataka Declared Geo-Heritage Site Of National Importanance
Let us know your thoughts about this in the comments.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Maridav (representative image)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.FAQs
Why has Karnataka suspended trekking activities?
The state government has taken this step to prioritise public safety following recent incidents of human-wildlife conflict, including a fatal leopard attack.
Which areas are affected by the ban?
All trekking trails and public movement in wildlife-sensitive forest areas across Karnataka have been suspended until further notice.
Are all trekking activities in Karnataka banned?
Only trails and areas within wildlife-sensitive zones are affected. However, most forest-based trekking routes fall under this category.