Bengaluru: Days after back-to-back incidents of trekkers going missing in forest areas, Karnataka govt has moved to tighten safety protocols. It has proposed dedicated tracking apps and mandatory group insurance for trekking expeditions.Forest minister Eshwar Khandre Thursday directed the principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden to frame a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP) for trekking activities, positioning it as a potential national model.The move follows a series of alarming incidents, including that of Kerala-based techie GS Sharanya, who lost her way while trekking to Thadiyandamol Peak and survived in the forest for three days, and another involving a minor from Kerala, Shrinanda, who went missing during a trek in the Chandradrona mountain range.Highlighting systemic gaps in the management of trekking trails, a recent TOI report on April 8 titled “Into the wild, into risk” flagged key safety concerns and suggested corrective measures based on inputs from experts and conservationists. The recommendations included the use of walkie-talkies, a real-time tracking mechanism for trekkers and a well-defined SOP for trekking expeditions.Khandre issued instructions to the chief wildlife warden, underscoring the urgent need for a structured safety framework for visitors to the state’s forests and hill ranges. “The forest department has already developed mobile apps such as e-Gastu, M-STrIPES to track foresters’ activities. Similar to these apps, a tracking app can be developed and installed in trekkers’ mobile phones during trekking expeditions, and this will help the department track them easily if they are left behind in the forest,” the minister said in his letter.In addition, he emphasised the need to make group insurance mandatory for trekkers and to equip nature guides with wireless communication devices such as walkie-talkies.The minister also directed that team leaders and guides be held responsible for the safety of trekkers under their supervision. Officials have been asked to expedite the process and roll out comprehensive trekking guidelines at the earliest, with a focus on preventing mishaps and ensuring safer access to Karnataka’s popular trekking destinations.
