What trekkers should be aware of before organizing their tripsFirst-ever SOPs for trekking
In announcing this decision, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre emphasized that trekking will not be allowed without a certified nature guide on any trail sanctioned by the Forest Department. “No individual will be permitted to trek without a nature guide,” he declared during the SOPs launch.
Restrictions on solo trekking due to increasing missing cases
According to the new guidelines, all trekkers are required to register in advance with the Forest Department before commencing their trek. Authorities have made it clear that non-compliance will result in severe consequences, including the blacklisting of organizers and agencies failing to adhere to the regulations. Solo trekking without supervision is essentially banned, as even solo trekkers will have a guide assigned to them.
Compulsory GPS tracking for trekkers
The SOPs also mandate a tracking system. Every trekker must install a tracking application on their mobile device, enabling officials to monitor movements in real time and respond quickly during emergencies. Additionally, there will be one certified nature guide for every ten trekkers, and all guides will carry GPS-enabled walkie-talkies.
This decision follows a series of incidents that revealed inadequacies in safety measures and oversight. In a recent case, a tech professional from Kerala went missing during a solo trek at Tadiandamol, a well-known yet challenging trail in Kodagu. She reportedly veered off the designated path during her descent and became lost in the dense forest. With no guide and minimal mobile connectivity, she remained untraceable for several days before being located in a weakened and dehydrated state after a comprehensive search operation.
In another incident within the Chandradrona ranges, a teenage girl from Kerala was reported missing during a family outing. Delays in her recovery led to an extended search, and her body was later discovered in a ravine near the trekking area. Officials noted that such occurrences underline the necessity for structured systems and stricter oversight.
Karnataka government’s initiative to avert trekking incidents
The new SOPs also encompass supplementary safety and infrastructure enhancements. At base camps, trekkers will receive briefings on route specifics, terrain, duration, and safety protocols, including how to manage wildlife encounters. Facilities such as drinking water, toilets, signposts, and designated rest areas will be established along trekking paths.
