Taking a cue from the Kurangani fire tragedy, the forest department has imposed a ban on undertaking trekking expeditions to Yercaud, Kolli and other hills in Salem and Namakkal districts during the summer months.
The department sources said that forest fires were common in summer and it was a regular practice to impose ban on trekking during summer for the safety and security of the people.
The Salem district accounted for about 1.20 lakh hectare reserve forests spread over nine ranges including Shervarayan South, Shervarayan North, Danishpet, Kalvarayan hills.
The forest department used to accord permission for trekking expeditions from Shervarayan foothills to Yercaud hill; from 60 feet bridge on the Yercaud ghat road to Yercaud via Gundur village; Aanaivari Muttal forest area to Kalvarayan hills. Volunteers used to undertake eco-tourism expeditions in the Danishpet – Karadiyur forests.
Meanwhile, the department has strengthened security arrangements at Yercaud, Kalvarayan and Pachamalai hills.
A.Periasamy, District Forest Officer, told The Hindu that the department organises regular fire patrolling and fire monitoring on these hills.
A total of 24 fire watchers attached to the Forest Department are on the rounds on these hills and have been creating awareness on forest fire, and protecting forest wealth among the rural people.
Fire lines have been set up on the roads to a length of 274 km abutting reserve forests by clearing the grass, and bushes all along the road to prevent forest fire.
Mr. Periasamy said that the State Government has issued guidelines for admitting adventure sports and trekking expeditions on the hills. The norms mentioned in the circular will be strictly followed while according permission for eco-tourism, adventure sports and trekking expeditions.
He said that the department has no say if the adventure sports activities were conducted in the private estates on the hills. The organiser themselves will be responsible if any eventuality takes place. The trespassing of the members participating in the activities organised in the private estates into the adjoining reserve forests will be considered an offence, he said.
Kolli Hills
Meanwhile, the forest department has imposed a ban on trekking expeditions to Kolli Hills in Namakkal district till May 31. According to R. Kanchana, District Forest Officer, people rarely approached the department seeking permission for trekking expeditions to Kolli Hills. Only three trekking teams have approached the department so far. They were given permission and the forest personnel accompanied and guided them during the expedition. And this year no one has approached them , she said.
The personnel of Namakkal, Rasipuram, Kolli Hills and Mullukurichi forest ranges are closely monitoring the Kolli Hills.
Stringent action will be taken against the people who trespass into the reserve forests without proper permission, Dr. Kanchana said.
