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.