When going trekking, there are always chances of serious accidents, which raise safety concerns. Now, trekking in Karnataka is set to become safer with much stricter and more regulated rules. The state has introduced new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) after several recent incidents raised concerns about trekkers going missing in difficult terrain. Scroll down to know more.
Karnataka Introduces New Trekking Rules
Karnataka has now become the first state in India to introduce such detailed rules for trekking inside forest areas. Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre has made it clear that no one will be allowed to go trekking without a certified nature guide on approved forest routes.
Every trekker will now need to register online with the Forest Department before starting any trek. As per News18, even if only one person signs up for the day, a guide will still be assigned. This rule basically puts an end to solo trekking in forest zones.
These changes come after a few worrying incidents in recent times. In one case, a tech professional from Kerala went for a solo trek in Kodagu’s Tadiandamol. During her descent, she accidentally moved away from the marked trail and got lost deep inside the forest.
With no guide by her side and a weak mobile network in the area, she went missing for several days. After a tough search operation, rescue teams finally located her after around four days. She was found deep in the forest in a weak and dehydrated condition.
More About These New Rules
Guides on every trek will now carry GPS-enabled walkie-talkies and stay connected with base camps at all times. According to News18, they will make sure no one wanders off alone or gets left behind, and they will keep doing headcounts during the trek. In fact, they will also check in with the base camp every 30 minutes.
Trekkers will also need to install a tracking app on their phones. This will help the Forest Department monitor movement and respond quickly if there’s an emergency. Officials have also warned of strict action, including blacklisting organisers or agencies that break the rules.
Before every trek, base camps will give clear instructions about the route, distance, terrain, and safety tips. Basic facilities like toilets, drinking water, resting spots, and signboards will also be set up along the trails.
There are also some clear dos and don’ts. People cannot carry loud devices, sharp objects, weapons, or light campfires. Flash photography and single-use plastic are also not allowed. Trekkers must bring back all their waste with them.
On top of that, all trekking routes will now be managed through a central Forest Department portal. This will help with advance bookings and better control of crowd numbers.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ R.Praditya Trias Herlambang (Representative Image)
FAQs
Why Karnataka introduced rules for forest trekking?
Due to rising incidents of people getting lost in forests, Karnataka has introduced new safety rules.