The collapse of a free-standing stone structure at Kunti Betta, a popular trekking spot near Pandavapura, has triggered concern about the ecological impact of unbridled trekking in Mysuru and surrounding areas.
The naturally formed stone structure was in the shape of a pestle and hence was called ‘Bheemana Honke’. It was believed by locals that the character Bheema of ‘Mahabharata’ had camped there with his brothers and wife during their exile, and he used to smash and pound grains using the pestle.
Deepak Solanki, a city-based adventure enthusiast with more than 20 years of trekking experience in the Himalayas and other places, told The Hindu that the exact date of the collapse of Bheemana Honke is not known, but it was intact till a few months ago. “The collapse can be attributed to the heavy rush of trekkers at Kunti Betta in recent years and the surge in night trekking,” he said.
“Trekkers in large numbers used to congregate around the tower, play loud music and dance, have a camp fire and leave by early morning, leaving the place littered,” Mr. Solanki said. He said the police were alerted to the menace and the necessity of protecting the tower as it is fragile with little protection, but no action was taken.
Lack of responsibility
The popularity of adventure sports such as trekking has also brought to fore the irresponsibility of the groups promoting them. “There is a surge in the number of youngsters going on hike and treks. Many groups have proliferated to cater to their demand and [they] are mainly located in Bengaluru,” said Mr. Solanki, adding that a majority of them throw conservation norms to the wind.
Last July, adventure enthusiasts from Bengaluru were booked by the Forest Department after being found in the core area of M.M. Hills Wildlife Reserve at night, in violation of the law. Mr. Solanki said the ecological carrying capacity of hills and mountains has reached a saturation point and the State should introduce permits on popular trekking routes along the lines of curbs introduced by the National Green Tribunal at Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
