The Kangra district administration has made registration mandatory for all trekkers on 10 major routes in the Dhauladhar mountain range, effective from July 8, 2026, until October 15, 2026. The order, issued by District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa, aims to address the increasing number of trekkers getting stranded, going missing, or meeting with accidents during the monsoon season.
Mandatory Registration at Check Posts
Under the new directives, disaster management check posts will be established at the starting points of all identified trekking routes, operating daily from 5 am to 5 pm. Every individual or trekking group must register in person at the designated check post before commencing their trek. Trekkers are required to submit a detailed itinerary, contact information, and expected time of return.
The administration has warned that those who trek without registration or deviate from the declared route without informing authorities may be held financially responsible for rescue operations. If a rescue is needed due to an accident or emergency, private rescue agencies may be engaged, and the entire expenditure will be recovered from the concerned individual or group.
Identified Trekking Routes
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kangra, has identified 10 major trekking routes in the Dhauladhar range, situated at elevations between 3,600 and 4,600 metres. These include Baleini, Minkiani, Bhimghasutri, Indrahar, Kundli, Toral, Talang, Singhad, Varu, and Jalsu Pass.
Legal Consequences for Violators
District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa stated that legal action will be initiated against violators under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. He urged trekkers to strictly adhere to the new guidelines to ensure their own safety as well as that of rescue teams during the ongoing monsoon season.
Bairwa noted that trekking during the monsoon becomes highly hazardous due to landslides, dense fog, flash floods, poor visibility, and slippery trails. He highlighted that in several recent incidents, trekkers had failed to inform authorities about their travel plans or designated routes, making search and rescue operations prolonged, resource-intensive, and risky for rescue personnel.
Impact on Trekkers and Rescue Operations
The mandatory registration is expected to improve safety and coordination for trekkers exploring the Dhauladhar range. By providing detailed itineraries and contact information, trekkers enable authorities to respond more efficiently in emergencies. The administration’s move also aims to reduce the burden on rescue teams and ensure that costs are covered by those who violate the rules.
