Karnataka tightens trekking rules to protect people and forests

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Forest Department has introduced a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate trekking and eco-trail activities across the State. The guidelines cover nearly 39 designated trekking routes and aim to improve visitor safety while protecting fragile forest ecosystems.

The move follows several incidents this year, including a fatal leopard attack at Male Mahadeshwara Hills, a missing trekker incident at Tadiandamol in Kodagu and an emergency at Bandaje Waterfalls in Chikkamagaluru. These incidents highlighted the risks posed by wildlife movement, difficult terrain, unpredictable weather and poor mobile connectivity in forest areas.

Guides and visitor limits made important

Under the new framework, routes will undergo safety assessments before being opened. Daily limits on visitor numbers will help prevent overcrowding and allow forest personnel to monitor trekking groups more effectively.

Trained local youth will accompany groups, assist with navigation and headcounts, and support emergency response. GPS-enabled communication and tracking equipment will also be used in areas where mobile connectivity is limited.

Wildlife can close trekking routes

The SOP allows trekking routes to be temporarily restricted when significant movement of tigers, leopards, elephants or bears is detected.

The guidelines also provide for marked trails, directional signboards, rest areas and basic facilities such as drinking water and toilets at base camps.

Rescue plans get stronger

Search and rescue operations will involve the Forest Department, police, State Disaster Response Force, local communities and drone surveillance. Trekkers and guides who violate entry conditions or leave designated trails could face legal action and blacklisting.

The Department has stressed that forest trails pass through ecologically sensitive habitats and cannot be treated like conventional tourist destinations. Routes will therefore reopen individually after safety assessments, with selected trails in the Kudremukh Wildlife Division already reopened.