Bengaluru: Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on Friday announced that trekking on all forest department-approved routes will no longer be allowed without a certified nature guide. These guides must be equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies as part of new safety rules.

The announcement came during the release of a Standard Operating Procedure designed to improve trekker safety across the state.

One guide for every 10 trekkers

Under the new guidelines, each group of trekkers must be accompanied by a local nature guide, with a ratio of one guide for every ten participants. Additionally, the total number of trekkers permitted in a single batch has been capped at 150 for any trekking route.

Online registration made compulsory

The minister stated that all trekkers must complete online registration before undertaking any trek. Even in cases where only one individual signs up for a particular day, a guide will still be assigned. Trekking without an authorised guide is strictly prohibited under the new system.

SOP introduced after recent incidents

The decision to introduce these rules follows a series of concerning incidents. Among them was a case involving a woman from Kerala who went missing for three days while trekking at Tadiandamol Hill. In another incident, a minor girl went missing and was later found dead near Manikyadhara, which lies outside forest department jurisdiction.

GPS devices and trekking app for safety

According to an official statement from the minister’s office, all nature guides will be required to carry GPS-enabled walkie-talkies on every trekking route. In addition, trekkers will have a mobile application installed on their phones containing route maps. This is intended to help authorities track individuals in case they lose their way.

Pre-trek briefing and safety instructions

Before beginning the trek, participants will receive a detailed briefing covering the distance, expected duration, and local environmental conditions. Instructions on how to react if wildlife is encountered will also be shared.

The SOP clearly prohibits the use of loud devices, sharp metal objects, weapons, and campfires along trekking routes.

Facilities at base camps

Basic infrastructure will also be improved. Separate toilet facilities for men and women, along with access to drinking water, will be made available at base camps.

Directional arrow markings will be placed along trekking paths to guide participants, and designated rest points will be set up at intervals.

Strict monitoring and communication rules

Nature guides have been given clear responsibilities under the SOP. They must ensure that no trekker moves ahead of the group or falls behind. Headcounts are to be conducted at base camps as well as at rest stops during the trek.

Guides are also required to maintain communication with base camp staff using walkie-talkies every 30 minutes. If no contact is made within an hour of the trek starting, base camp personnel will reach out to confirm the group’s safety.

Rules for minors and senior citizens

The SOP outlines additional requirements for certain groups. Minors must carry a consent letter signed by their parents or guardians. Senior citizens are required to submit a fitness certificate confirming their ability to undertake the trek.

To handle medical emergencies, both trekkers and guides must carry a first aid kit.

Environmental restrictions in place

To protect the natural environment, the SOP bans flash photography, single-use plastics, and carry bags on trekking routes. Trekkers are required to bring back all waste and dispose of it only at designated base camps.

Online booking portal

The statement further noted that all forest department trekking routes will be integrated into the official website to facilitate advance booking of tickets.

With agency inputs