What are the new rules for trekking in Karnataka's forest areas?

Trekking in Karnataka now requires a certified nature guide and prior online registration with official permits. A daily limit of 150 trekkers per trail and a 1:10 guide-to-trekker ratio are enforced.

Will trekkers need to install any tracking app in Karnataka?

Yes, trekkers will be required to install a temporary tracking application on their mobile phones to allow forest officials to monitor their movement in real-time.

What safety measures are being implemented for forest trails in Karnataka?

Approved routes will have visible markings, dangerous stretches will be highlighted, and base camps will offer basic amenities. Emergency response plans are also in place.

Home / Environment / Karnataka Treks: New Rules for Safer Trails

Karnataka Treks: New Rules for Safer Trails

19 Apr

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Summary

Trekking without certified guide and prior online registration is now banned.
A daily limit of 150 trekkers per trail will be enforced.
Trekkers must install a temporary tracking app on their mobile phones.

Karnataka Treks: New Rules for Safer Trails

Karnataka's forest department has introduced new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for trekking in forest areas, aiming to enhance safety and organization. These regulations follow recent incidents where trekkers went missing. The updated guidelines mandate that all trekking activities on notified forest trails require a certified nature guide and prior online registration with official permits.

To manage crowd and improve safety, a daily limit of 150 trekkers per trail will be enforced. Each group must maintain a guide-to-trekker ratio of 1:10. Guides are responsible for keeping groups together. Trekkers will also need to install a temporary tracking application on their mobile phones for real-time monitoring by forest officials. Guides will carry GPS-enabled walkie-talkies for communication with base camps.