Trekking: Forest dept rolls out stricter SOP

Bengaluru: The Forest Department has introduced a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate trekking and eco-trail activities across Karnataka, following a series of incidents that highlighted the risks of trekking in forest and wildlife habitats.Karnataka has nearly 39 designated trekking routes in its forest divisions. The new framework mandates route-wise safety assessments before trails are opened, with carrying capacity limits aimed at preventing overcrowding and enabling better monitoring.The SOP provides for trained local nature guides to accompany trekking groups and handle navigation, headcounts, communication and emergencies. GPS-enabled communication and tracking systems are also proposed for areas with poor cellular connectivity.No trekking or camping without permission in Jammu-Kashmir’s Bhadarwah: Govt officialThe department said it would strengthen trail infrastructure with marked routes, directional signages, rest points and basic amenities at base camps. Trekking will be suspended or restricted in areas witnessing significant movement of tigers, leopards, elephants or bears, it added.The move follows incidents in 2026, including a fatal leopard attack at MM Hills, a major search operation for a missing trekker at Tadiandamol in Kodagu and an incident at Bandaje Waterfalls in Chikkamagaluru.The SOP also provides for coordinated rescue operations involving forest personnel, police, SDRF, drones and local communities, besides action and blacklisting of violators. The department said trails would be reopened in phases based on field readiness.

Source: Deccan Herald