Deekshith D V
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Aug 3: The forest department has imposed curbs on trekkers from going on expeditions to various spots in Western Ghats during the monsoon.
Western Ghats gets copious rainfall during the monsoon bringing with it unknown miseries Not only are the trekking pathways slippery during the season, streams and waterfalls will also be flowing with full force. To avoid any kind of mishap or danger to lives and considering the safety of trekkers, the forest department has imposed restrictions on their free movement.
However, in spite of the restrictions, a few agencies are conducting expeditions and promoting such events as 'Weekend Trekking' to a few spots in the Western Ghats and Malnad region.
Forest department officials are trying hard to convince and send the trekkers back and are dissuading them to enter the Western Ghat forests..
It may be noted that the forest department has imposed curbs and suspended trekking activities to various prominent points such as the Kudremukha Peak, Kurinjal Peak, and the Gangadikal. The forest department has also suspended its online booking for trekking and has also clearly mentioned that there is no entry for them into the forest.
A few trekkers are taking a hike into the forest through alternative routes throwing all the caution to the wind. Local homestays and some trekking institutions from Bengaluru, Mysuru, and other places have continued to book trekking tours for students and techies.
A few experienced trekkers claim that the activity during the monsoon is risky. Environmentalists are also of the view that there is a threat to lives of those trekkers who go on hike during the monsoon months..
The main entry point into the forest remains closed for trekking during monsoon but the activity continues unabated as they are venturing into a terrain without proper guidance or taking necessary precautions. Envitonmentalists are demanding suitable and stern action against violators and organisers of expeditions during the monsoon season.
The forest department has also cautioned homestays not to invite tourists who are basically on trekking expeditions. Due to incessant rainfall, the pathway is not clearly visible due to growth of grass as well. Besides, trekkers have to tread delicately on stones and rocks that are bound to be slippery following the rainfall.
Environmentalist Dinesh Holla said, "Forest officials particularly in their area should look into all these issues. Once the forest department prohibits entry into the forest the rule should be applicable to all. Sometimes, after bribing the officials the trekkers and organisers gain entry into the forest. But, now after a few untoward incidents that have occurred in a few forest areas, the officials have turned a bit strict although there are some who enter the forest through illegal pathways. We cannot predict the weather or destruction that incessant rainfall is likely to cause in the form of landslides and other mishaps. Many have died after they failed to adhere to the guidelines. At least they should take lessons from these untoward incidents. We have also seen many lose their lives due to clicking of selfies."
He said Sahyadri Sanchaya is holding trekking camps for the past 25 years, and not even a single person had got hurt. Untoward incidents happen because trekkers fail to follow precautionary measures. Instead, the youths come for enjoyment like drinking, smoking and other pleasures thereby spoiling the environment by littering the places. Recently at Hirimale Guppe Peak, many were seen enjoying smoking cigarettes, dancing, shouting, and spoiling the surrounding peace.
Comment on this article
Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai-Mangalore
Fri, Aug 04 2023Most who venture out for such risky treks in the monsoon are educated major youngsters who really know the perils of their actions, and just warnings are sufficient enough!! It's physically impossible to restrain so many of them trying to sneak in from different entry points! Only small kids require physical obstruction as they are naive!
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Rita, Germany
Thu, Aug 03 2023People who enter forest area without permission ,should be handled strictly.with punishment.They should just be aware of forest remain as forest and not their playground.Animals which live in forest are disturbed during their time of having cubs or go away.let the rare birds too are not any more feel secure.When tourists are then attacked by them ,they shouldnt complain .Its their revier.
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Joseph, Bombay
Thu, Aug 03 2023Quote Forest department officials are trying hard to convince and send the trekkers back and are dissuading them to enter the Western Ghat forests.. Unquote Don't understand why forest department officials have to convince anyone. Why aren't they using the powers bestowed on them to curb these maniac trekkers? God forbid ... in case any of these persons die an unnatural death, let their bodies rot there due to their callous attitude and stubbornness, None of the NGO or government helpline bodies should waste their time and resources in retrieving their bodies and sending it back to their near and dear ones. This message should be a deterrent to one and all and good sense will prevail.
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Antony DSouza, Mangalore
Thu, Aug 03 2023Instead of trekking which is strenous and risky, any trails so that young and old can enjoy? Trails either in forest or open areas.
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Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai/Mangalore
Thu, Aug 03 2023Unfortunately, this is a very good time, for youngsters, to go for treks and admire nature's beauty!
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Joseph, Bombay
Thu, Aug 03 2023Quote Forest department officials are trying hard to convince and send the trekkers back and are dissuading them to enter the Western Ghat forests.. Unquote Don't understand why forest department officials have to convince anyone. Why aren't they using the powers bestowed on them to curb these maniac trekkers? Let the bodies of these trekkers rot if they die due to stubbornness, None of the NGO or government helpline bodies should waste their time and resources in retrieving their bodies and sending it back to their near and dear ones. This message should be a deterrent to one and all.
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G R PRABHUJI, Mangalore
Thu, Aug 03 2023What our forest officers are doing??? Keep Police van and if they violate the rules, arrest them. At the same time our DC should be alert . After untoward incident no use of search. All trekkers must get permission from parents compulsory.
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