- Karnataka Forest Department has introduced stricter SOPs for trekking in forest areas
- Trekking without a certified guide and prior online registration is now prohibited
- A daily limit of 150 trekkers per trail and a 1:10 guide-to-trekker ratio will be enforced
Karnataka's forest trails, popular among trekkers for their foggy views and tough climbs, are set to follow stricter rules. According to a report by The Indian Express, the Karnataka Forest Department has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure after a series of incidents where trekkers went missing in forest areas. The new guidelines aim to make adventure travel more organised and secure without discouraging exploration. These changes are expected to impact how travellers experience the Western Ghats and other forest regions across the state. For anyone planning a trek in Karnataka, preparation will now begin well before reaching the trail.
No Guide, No Trek: What The New Rules Say
As per the new SOP, trekking on notified forest trails will no longer be permitted without a certified nature guide. All treks will require prior online registration, and entry will be granted only through official permits. Even a single traveller registering for a trek will be assigned a guide, effectively banning unsupervised solo trekking in forest areas. The department has also introduced a daily cap of 150 trekkers per trail to reduce overcrowding and improve management.
Each trekking group will be accompanied by a trained guide, with a ratio of one guide for every ten trekkers. Guides will be responsible for ensuring that the group stays together at all times and that no one strays ahead or falls behind during the journey.
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Technology Led Monitoring For Trekkers
To improve real time monitoring, trekkers will be required to install a temporary tracking application on their mobile phones. This will allow forest officials to monitor movement along the trail and respond quickly in case of emergencies. Nature guides will carry GPS enabled walkie talkies and will remain in constant touch with base camps at fixed intervals. If communication is disrupted or delayed beyond a specified time, officials will initiate follow up checks immediately.
Headcounts will also be conducted at base camps and designated rest points to ensure that every trekker is accounted for throughout the trek.
Emergency Response And Safety Measures
The SOP lays out a clear emergency response plan in case a trekker gets injured or goes missing. In such situations, the group will be asked to halt immediately while the guide informs the base camp of the exact location and situation. Rescue operations will then be coordinated with forest officers, district authorities and the police. Drones and thermal cameras may be deployed if required, especially in dense or difficult terrain.
Trail safety has also been addressed through better infrastructure. Approved routes will feature visible markings, while dangerous stretches such as steep slopes, cliff edges and water crossings will be clearly highlighted. Base camps on selected trails will provide basic amenities such as drinking water, rest points and toilets.
What This Means For Travellers
The new regulations follow recent high profile incidents where trekkers lost their way in popular destinations like Tadiyandamol in Kodagu, prompting large scale rescue efforts. Forest officials believe these rules will not only improve safety but also encourage responsible travel in ecologically sensitive zones.
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While some travellers may miss the spontaneity of unplanned treks, the emphasis on structure and safety is likely to make forest travel more reliable and sustainable.
