The Kangra district administration has made registration mandatory for trekkers in view of a rise in the number of them getting stranded, going missing and meeting with accidents on trekking routes in the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. It has issued a warning that those violating the rules may be required to bear the cost of rescue operations. Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa on Wednesday issued the order, which would remain in force until October 15. Bairwa said that trekking during the monsoon season becomes highly hazardous due to landslides, dense fog, flash floods, poor visibility and slippery trails. He added that in several recent incidents, trekkers had failed to inform the authorities concerned about their travel plans or designated routes, making search and rescue operations prolonged, resource-intensive and risky for rescue personnel as well.

The District Disaster Management Authority, Kangra, has identified 10 trekking routes (Baleini, Minkiani, Bhimghasutri, Indrahar, Kundli, Toral, Talang, Singhad, Varu and Jalsu Pass) in the Dhauladhar ranges situated at elevations between 3,600 metres and 4,600 metres.

Disaster management check posts would be established at the starting points of all these trekking routes and would remain operational daily from 5 am to 5 pm. Every individual or group intending to undertake trekking on these routes must register in person at the designated check post before commencing their journey. Trekkers would also be required to submit their detailed itinerary, contact information and expected time of return.

The administration warned that if any individual or group undertakes trekking without registration or deviates from the declared route without informing the authorities and subsequently required rescue due to an accident or any other emergency, private rescue agencies may be engaged, if necessary. The entire expenditure incurred on such rescue operations would be recovered from the individual or group concerned.

“Legal action will also be initiated against the violators under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” said Bairwa, urging 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.