BANGALORE: In the wake of trekking buffs getting stranded inside jungles after losing their way, the Karnataka Forest Department has decided to unveil a new trekking policy on November 1, the Kannada Rajyotsava Day. Recently, a techie from Chennai got separated from a group of his friends inside the Bisale forests in Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district and spent three nights in jungle alone. Later, he was rescued by a joint operation by the Police, Revenue and Forest staff.
“Steps to frame the policy are in full swing. We will make a formal announcement regarding the trekking policy, clearly demarcating trekking in forest and non-forest areas, on November 1,” Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Vinay Luthra told Express.
“Framing guidelines for trekking in non-forest areas is the duty of the Department of Youth Services and Gen Thimmiah Academy of National Adventure Academy,” pointed out Luthra.
The policy, according to him, will identify new spots for adventure buffs to explore nature.
However, areas which are identified as ‘elephant home range’ will be out of bounds for everyone.
According to the new policy, the department will identify designated trials, map it with the help of Global Positioning System (GPS) and then allow people for trekking. Only a maximum of 20 persons will be allowed on a day.
They will be given details such as the type of clothes to wear, shoes and other things, well in advance so that they can come prepared. Besides, they will be briefed about inhospitable terrains before the start of the trek.
Luthra said around 50 youth who are ready to work as guides for trekking, will be selected soon and they will have to undergo a two-week basic training at Gopinatham in Chamarajanagar district in addition to field experience. Local youth will be selected as guides as it will fetch them some income. Each guide will accompany a group of trekkers and he will be given a walkie-talkie and other gadgets to be in constant touch with the department. Under no circumstances, night halt will be allowed.
In the first phase, the department is opening up Castle Rock, Kulgi, Anshi, Sita Nadi, Gopinatham, Kollur Mookambika, Bhagavathi, Kudremukh, Dandeli and some parts of Yellapura for trekking.
In the next phase, trekking trials in Kodagu and Udupi districts will be identified.
“A number of good points from the trekking policy of the Government of Uttarkhand has been incorporated in our policy such as maps and trekking routes,” added Luthra.