The Kangra district administration has mandated registration for all trekkers in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges, effective until October 15, following a surge in incidents of trekkers getting stranded, going missing, or meeting with accidents. Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa issued the order, warning that violators may be required to bear the cost of rescue operations.
Reasons for the New Regulation
Bairwa stated that trekking during the monsoon season is highly hazardous due to landslides, dense fog, flash floods, poor visibility, and slippery trails. In several recent incidents, trekkers failed to inform authorities about their travel plans or designated routes, making search and rescue operations prolonged, resource-intensive, and risky for rescue personnel.
Identified Trekking Routes
The District Disaster Management Authority, Kangra, has identified 10 trekking routes in the Dhauladhar ranges, situated at elevations between 3,600 metres and 4,600 metres. These routes include Baleini, Minkiani, Bhimghasutri, Indrahar, Kundli, Toral, Talang, Singhad, Varu, and Jalsu Pass.
Registration Process and Check Posts
Disaster management check posts will be established at the starting points of all these trekking routes and will remain operational daily from 5 am to 5 pm. Every individual or group intending to trek must register in person at the designated check post before commencing their journey. Trekkers must also submit their detailed itinerary, contact information, and expected time of return.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The administration warned that if any individual or group undertakes trekking without registration or deviates from the declared route without informing authorities and subsequently requires rescue, private rescue agencies may be engaged. The entire expenditure incurred on such rescue operations will be recovered from the individual or group concerned. Additionally, legal action will be initiated under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, according to Bairwa. He urged trekkers to strictly adhere to the new guidelines to ensure their own safety and that of rescue teams during the ongoing monsoon season.
