Karnataka Makes Certified Nature Guides Mandatory For All Official Trekking Routes

Karnataka has made it mandatory for trekkers to be accompanied by certified nature guides equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies on all approved trekking routes under the Forest Department, in a move aimed at strengthening safety measures. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said on Friday that trekking will no longer be permitted on these routes without such guides, while releasing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for trekkers’ safety. He added that one local nature guide will be deployed for every 10 trekkers, and a maximum of 150 trekkers will be allowed per batch on any trekking route.Online Registration And SOPAccording to Khandre, online registration for trekking will be mandatory. Even if a single individual registers for a particular day, a guide will still be provided, and trekking without a guide will not be allowed.He said the SOP was introduced following recent incidents, including a woman from Kerala who went missing for three days in the forests during a trek at Tadiandamol hill in Kodagu, and a minor girl who went missing and was later found dead near Manikyadhara in Chikkamagaluru, which is outside forest jurisdiction.GPS-Enabled Devices And Safety AppIn a statement, the Khandre’s office said that nature guides will be mandatorily equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies on all trekking routes. “Additionally, a mobile app containing trekking route maps will be installed on trekkers’ phones. This will help locate trekkers if they lose their way,” it said.As per the SOP, trekkers will be briefed before the start of the trek on the distance, duration and local conditions.“Instructions on how to respond if wildlife is encountered will also be provided. Loud devices, sharp metal objects, weapons, and campfires are strictly prohibited on trekking routes,” it said.The SOP further stated that separate toilets for men and women, along with drinking water facilities, will be provided at base camps. Directional arrow markings will guide trekkers along the route, and rest points will be created along the way, it said.Strict Monitoring And Digital Booking As per the SOP, nature guides will be responsible for ensuring that no trekker moves ahead of the group or falls behind. Mandatory headcounts will be carried out at base camps and designated rest points.Guides are required to stay in touch with the base camp every 30 minutes using walkie-talkies. In case no communication is received within an hour of the trek’s commencement, base camp staff will initiate contact with the guide to verify safety, the statement said.The SOP requires minors to carry written consent from a parent or guardian, while senior citizens must produce a fitness certificate certifying their ability to undertake trekking. Trekkers as well as guides will also need to carry a first aid kit to deal with any medical emergencies.In addition, the guidelines prohibit flash photography, single-use plastics and carry bags. Trekkers must collect and carry back all waste, which can only be disposed of at base camps.The Forest Department has also said that all official trekking routes will be brought under a central online system via https://aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in, enabling advance booking of trek slots.With inputs from PTIFAQsWhy has Karnataka introduced new trekking rules?The SOP has been brought in to improve safety and better regulate trekking activities in forest areas, following recent incidents involving missing trekkers.Are nature guides now compulsory for all treks?Yes. Certified nature guides are mandatory on all approved trekking routes under the Forest Department.Can individuals trek alone after registering online?No. Even if a single person registers, they will still be assigned a guide, and trekking without a guide is not permitted.What is the maximum group size allowed?A maximum of 150 trekkers will be allowed per batch on any trekking route, with one guide assigned for every 10 trekkers.Is online booking required for trekking?Yes. All trekking routes will be integrated with the official portal https://aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in/ for advance booking.What safety measures are in place during treks?Guides will use GPS-enabled walkie-talkies, trekkers will have a mobile route map app, and regular communication with base camps will be maintained throughout the trek.Budgeting Peak Ambitions: A Green Himalayan Future Or A Polluted Pipe Dream?