Trekking enthusiasts planning to visit hill stations in the district during the rainy season are in for bad news. The Forest Department officers have decided to ban entry into the reserved forest areas in Bababudangiri Hills, Mullayanagiri and other adjoining hill stations in the district at this time.
The Department took this decision keeping in mind previous incidents, especially one that occurred in August 2015, when two trekkers from Hyderabad went missing in the woods. The trekkers were found two days later. Deputy Conservator of Forests of Chikkamagaluru Division M.S. Manik, on Saturday, told The Hindu, “We have stopped giving people permission for trekking expeditions. Despite this, if someone is found in the forest areas, our staff will stop them and impose fines on them as stipulated in the law.”
Unsafe period
Many parts of the district have been receiving heavy rain. Some adventure clubs organise trekking expeditions particularly during this season. “This is not the right time for trekking. The mist is very heavy in places like Mullayanagiri, where visibility beyond a couple of metres is very poor. In some places thick grass has grown. Owing to this, those who venture out here may end up going off route or encountering a wild animal”, Mr. Manik said.
When asked if the decision was taken in the wake of last year’s incident, Mr. Manik said that was not the only reason. “It is the norm to prohibit trekking in forest areas during the rainy season. Last year, there was one incident. Even otherwise trekking is not allowed in forest areas during rainy season,” he said.
Organised treks
A number of home-stays have come up close to forest areas across the district. Those who run these home-stays take their customers on treks. Mr. Manik said that his staff would keep tabs on those home-stays that often conducting trekking expeditions. “If we see anybody in the forest areas, we will take action as per the law”, he added.
