Chikkamagaluru: The forest department has decided to rope in locals to ensure the safety of trekkers visiting Ettina Bhuja, a popular trekking destination in Mudigere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district.Through the eco-tourism board, the department plans to train 30 locals as tourist guides to assist trekkers on the ecologically sensitive trail. Under the new standard operating procedure (SOP), tourists will not be allowed to trek without authorised guides, and one guide will be mandatory for every 10 trekkers.The move comes six months after trekking at Ettina Bhuja was banned following complaints of overcrowding and environmental violations. Located in the Charmadi Ghat section of the Western Ghats, Ettina Bhuja is among the most sought-after trekking destinations in the state. During the monsoon, its rolling grasslands, mist-covered peaks, and panoramic views attract thousands of trekkers, bloggers, and nature enthusiasts.Although the trekking route is only about 2km long, the department has decided to appoint guides to enhance visitor safety. Following a leopard attack on a trekker in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills of Chamarajanagar district, trekking activities were suspended across Karnataka until the govt framed a new SOP.With the SOP now in place, the department has decided to reopen the trek under strict regulations. Online booking has been made mandatory, and trekking without an authorised guide is prohibited. One guide must accompany every batch of 10 trekkers. If a group has 11 members, two guides will be required, said Chikkamagaluru deputy conservator of forests KT Boraiah.At present, only four certified guides are available at Ettina Bhuja, prompting the department to cap the number of trekkers at 40 per day. Earlier, up to 300 trekkers were allowed daily. Forest officials clarified that the limit would be increased proportionately as more guides are inducted.“The SOP clearly stipulates one guide for every 10 trekkers. With four guides, we can allow only 40 trekkers per day. As the number of guides increases, the daily trekker limit will also go up,” Boraiah said.To address the shortage, the department has begun identifying potential guides from villages around Devaramane, Sunkasale, and Kottigehara. Preference will be given to unemployed youth from nearby villages who are familiar with the terrain, officials said.The initiative has received a positive response from locals as it offers a steady source of livelihood. Selected candidates will undergo a three-day training programme covering trekking routes, safety protocols, first aid, waste management, and forest conservation rules. Upon completion, they will receive certification to serve as official tourist guides.Stakeholders have welcomed the decision but urged the department to raise the daily cap to at least 100-150 trekkers once additional guides are trained, balancing conservation efforts with local livelihood opportunities.
