Bengaluru: The recent disappearance of a trekker from Kerala in the dense forests of Kodagu has once again brought into sharp focus the often-underestimated risks associated with trekking in the forests of Karnataka. Even as the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats and other scenic hinterlands continue to attract thousands of adventure enthusiasts every year, trekking experts and conservationists caution that these landscapes, though visually captivating, can quickly turn perilous without proper regulation and adequate safety mechanisms.In the wake of multiple such incidents over the past few years, experts have called for a comprehensive relook at the way ecotourism activities are regulated in forest areas. Concerns have also been raised over gaps in the state forest department’s dedicated trekking portal, Aranya Vihaara. One of the key issues flagged is the growing trend of unregulated trekking along lesser-known trails popularised on social media, often with little regard for terrain challenges or associated risks.A leading trek expedition firm pointed out inconsistencies in the official trekking platform. “In 2024, the forest department launched the Aranya Vihaara portal to streamline trekking expeditions in state forests. But it has not added many popular trekking sites such as Kumara Parvatha, Rani Jhari, Mandalpatti, Brahmagiri… While the forest department portal lists these areas as popular eco trails, the Aranya Vihaara website does not have many of these places in its trekking lists. The portal offers only 33 trek routes in 12 districts,” a member of the firm said.G Veeresh, a conservationist from Chikkamagaluru, highlighted procedural lapses despite the introduction of the portal. “Despite the launch of a dedicated portal, there are procedural lapses whenever there is a huge rush of trekkers at some of the trails. Besides, govt should ban trekking expeditions during the peak summer months of March-April and early monsoon months. Many who go trekking, of late, indulge in photoshoots or reels creation during trekking trails. Venturing off trails for photos and videos could prove fatal, besides depending heavily on the forest department to carry out search and rescue operations. Excessive use of mobile phones to take photos and record videos will result in rapid battery depletion, leaving the group disconnected from the outside world. Forest personnel often refuse to confront such trekkers, fearing adverse impact on their careers.”Belagavi-based techie-turned-conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni has written to the principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), seeking the strengthening of safety protocols in ecotourism zones. “The Kerala trekker’s incident highlights the risks posed by the absence of reliable communication networks and structured tracking protocols. Both trekkers and staffers rely heavily on mobile networks, which are next to miracles in dense forest areas. The staffers should be equipped with walkie-talkies and handheld GPS tracking devices for monitoring group movements and possible deviations,” he stated. He also stressed the need for digital recording of trekking trails from start to finish through a centralised monitoring system.GFXPopular Trekking Trails of Karnataka* Kodachadri (Shivamogga)* Kudremukh (Chikkamagaluru)* Bandaje Waterfall (Chikkamagaluru)* Ettina Bhuja (Chikkamagaluru)* Netravathi (Dakshina Kannada)* Skandagiri (Chikkaballapur)* Makalidurga (Bengaluru Rural)— Source: Aranya Vihaara, forest dept, GoK…………….What Trekkers Should Do* Obtain official permission/tickets* Hire nature guides/watchers from forest dept* Inform someone about your expedition* Move in groups* Carry power banks, mobile phones* Stick to marked trails* Start at dawn, wind up by dusk* Carry essentials: water, first aid, energy food, flashlight, GPS, compass* Wear appropriate clothing (shoe, full-sleeve clothes with nature-blending colours)* Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks* Observe wildlife from distanceWhat Trekkers Shouldn’t Do* Trek solo* Ignore weather reports* Venture off trails* Feed, instigate, disturb wildlife* Make loud noises, play music* Carry alcohol or drugs* Smoke* Litter……………..Areas of Improvement for Forest Dept* Use of communication gadgets such as walkie-talkies/satellite phones in dense areas* Equip guides with gadgets such as GPS tracking devices, range locators, small arms* Mark trails by blazing on trees or tree girdling with colours instead of signage* Issue a comprehensive SOP on trekking, eco-tourism activities* Train staffers in emergency medical care* Ban trekking in core forest areas* Define group size, carrying capacity of trails* Zero tolerance towards shooting reels, selfie-crazy trekkers* Ban on trekking during summer, early monsoon— Source: Trekking experts & stakeholders……………..Trek Tragedies In Past DecadeSept 2019: Bengaluru techie loses way, rescued after two days near Kumara Parvatha in SubrahmanyaFeb 2022: New Delhi native and Bengaluru student falls into gorge while trekking to Brahmagiri Hill in KodaguJan 2024: Near-stampede situation at Kumara Parvatha after hundreds of trekkers descend on peakJune 2025: 11 medical students, who got lost during a Bandaje forest trek, traced after overnight searchSept 2025: A chartered accountant from Mangaluru dies atop Konajekallu peak in Dakshina Kannada
