Pindari Glacier Trek Reopens in Bageshwar to Revive Tourism Economy
The Pindari Glacier trek, a scenic three-day journey spanning nearly 25 kilometers from Khati village in Bageshwar district, officially reopened for tourists on Wednesday. This move aims to bolster the region's tourism-driven economy as the trekking season commences, attracting visitors from across India and internationally.
Local Concerns Over Inadequate Preparations and Poor Infrastructure
Despite the reopening, local guides and residents have raised significant concerns about the lack of proper preparations and deteriorating infrastructure. Guide Jeetu Danu pointed out that the approach roads and trekking routes remain in poor condition, while government rest houses managed by the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) and the Public Works Department (PWD) require urgent maintenance.
"Trekkers travel long distances to reach here. The least they expect is access to basic facilities, but even that is lacking," Danu emphasized, highlighting the challenges faced by visitors.
Impact on Livelihoods in Khati Village
Residents of Khati village, which serves as the base for the trek, expressed that the situation directly affects their livelihoods. Kailash Danu, a local resident, noted that over 500 people in the village depend on tourism for their income.
"From homestays and guest houses to guides, porters, horse and mule services, and trekking equipment rentals — everything revolves around tourism. Better facilities would bring more tourists and benefit the entire community," he stated.
He added that the number of foreign tourists has declined significantly since the 2013 disaster, which also caused extensive damage to the nearby Kafni Glacier route, keeping it closed for years. "If a major trek like Kafni is yet to reopen, it raises serious questions about the pace of development and restoration work," Danu remarked.
Allegations of Neglect by Authorities
Villagers alleged that they continue to bear the responsibility of maintaining the trek and claimed that no authorities conducted inspections before the seasonal reopening. This lack of oversight has fueled frustrations among the community, who rely on tourism for sustainable income.
Official Responses and Safety Measures
In response, District Tourism Development Officer PK Gautam assured that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. He mentioned that trekker registration will be carried out at Hichori and Jakuni centers, with forest personnel deployed round the clock for supervision.
Divisional Forest Officer Aditya Ratna highlighted strict measures to maintain cleanliness in the eco-sensitive zone. "Trekkers will be required to carry back their plastic waste to ensure cleanliness in the area," he said, emphasizing environmental conservation efforts.
Hope for Swift Resolution
Stakeholders remain hopeful that authorities will address these concerns promptly to ensure tourist safety and secure sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The reopening of the Pindari Glacier trek represents a critical opportunity for economic revival, but effective infrastructure improvements are essential for long-term success.
