The Kangra district administration has taken a decisive step for tourist safety by imposing a complete ban on all trekking activities above an altitude of 3,000 metres. The order, issued on Monday, aims to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of adventure enthusiasts in the region.
New Mandatory Permissions and Weather Alerts
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), chaired by Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, has made it compulsory for trekkers to obtain prior permission from the Kangra Superintendent of Police's office for three popular routes: Kareri, Triund, and Adi Himani Chamunda. This move is designed to regulate footfall and ensure that authorities are aware of individuals in these high-risk zones.
Furthermore, the order includes a critical weather-linked clause. If the IMD (India Meteorological Department) in Shimla issues any warning or alert, all previously granted permissions for these treks will stand automatically cancelled. This provision underscores the administration's focus on pre-emptive risk management, especially given the unpredictable mountain weather.
Exemptions and Stakeholder Responsibilities
While the ban is comprehensive for tourists, it provides exemptions for official disaster response and rescue agencies. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, the Mountaineering Centre in McLeod Ganj, and police search and rescue units are not bound by these restrictions, allowing them to perform their duties unimpeded.
Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa clarified that such directives are issued periodically with tourist safety as the paramount concern. To ensure widespread awareness, the district tourism officer has been instructed to direct all local tourism stakeholders—including hoteliers, homestay owners, and tour operators—to inform their guests about the trekking restrictions.
These stakeholders are also required to make tourists aware of the penal provisions that the district administration will impose for any violations. All concerned departments have been directed to enforce strict compliance with these new regulations.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
The order represents a structured approach to managing adventure tourism in Kangra, a district famed for its scenic but challenging trails. By mandating permissions and linking them to weather advisories, the DDMA seeks to create a safer environment. The onus is now on tourism businesses to act as responsible channels of information, while trekkers must adhere to the new protocols to avoid legal repercussions and ensure their own safety in the high Himalayas.
