Mangaluru: While activists welcome Forest and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre’s move to regulate trekking in the Western Ghats, they stress the need for stricter measures and thorough follow-up to safeguard the region's flora and fauna.
The Minister temporarily halted trekking due to the chaos caused by an influx of trekkers at Kumaraparvatha in Dakshina Kannada district on January 26. The department plans to reopen trekking with restrictions on the number of trekkers, allowing only online bookings starting from the third week of July, with trekking likely to resume in August.
Environmentalists commend the initiative but advocate for strict measures.
"Limiting the number of trekkers and implementing online booking are positive steps. The government should also require visitors to provide background information and their purpose for visiting, whether for relaxation, study, projects, or activism," said Shashidhar Shetty, state secretary of the National Environment Care Federation (NECF).
Shetty suggested that a local guide should accompany every ten trekkers, ensuring adherence to designated paths and forest department guidelines. This would also provide job for the local villagers. He emphasized the prohibition of alcohol and smoking, advocating for trekking to be educational and respectful of nature.
"People should learn from the forest, not destroy it. Many come for enjoyment and end up damaging the flora and fauna," he added.
Shetty also called for a strict vigil to prevent the dumping of plastic bottles and non-degradable materials in the forest.
Sahyadri Sanchaya convener Dinesh Holla echoed similar sentiments. "Trekking should be for those who want to study and appreciate nature. Out of 100 visitors, only about 10 are genuinely interested. Most come for enjoyment and do not understand the seriousness or importance of the forest," he lamented.
Holla advocated for a ban on uncontrolled homestays and resorts in ecologically sensitive areas of the Western Ghats, highlighting that these contribute to the influx of trekkers.
"The government should not allow homestays and resorts in these sensitive areas. Currently, people drive to resorts near trekking destinations, enjoy the resort amenities, and then venture into the forest. Illegal construction of roads and paths for vehicles has further damaged Western Ghats," he explained.
Both activists stressed the importance of strict enforcement of the new rules.
"Officials should ensure the number of trekkers remains within government limits. There should be vigilant monitoring at entry points, and fines for littering with plastic, similar to measures in Kerala," Holla added.
