The Karnataka Forest Department has released a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for trekkers in response to recent incidents. The SOP includes safety measures for 44 designated trekking destinations in the state. As part of the new guidelines, a trekking app will track each trekker’s location, guides will have walkie-talkies for easy location identification, and first aid kits will be provided.
Mobile tracking of trekkers is now mandatory, and groups of more than ten members must be accompanied by a guide. The department has enhanced monitoring to ensure compliance with safety norms. The Minister highlighted the importance of following guidelines and warned against risky behaviors like trekking alone or separating from groups.
The SOP also allows guides to report unsafe behavior through a mobile application. Trekker groups are limited to 150 members at a time, with one guide required for every 10 trekkers. These measures aim to increase safety and prevent incidents in trekking areas across Karnataka.
“We have discussed making the following SOPs mandatory with officers, experts, and stakeholders,” Minister Eshwar Khandre stated. The safety measures come after the tragic death of a 15-year-old trekker in Chikkamagaluru and the recent disappearance of a trekker in the Madikeri forest.
