Dharamshala: Trekking activities above 3,000 meters in the Dhauladhar range of Kangra district have been completely prohibited until further notice. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hemraj Bairwa issued the directive today, emphasizing strict compliance to ensure safety during the autumn season.
The order mandates prior permission from the Superintendent of Police (SP), Kangra, even for low-altitude trekking routes like Kareri, Triund, and Adi Himani Chamunda. To facilitate this, the SP’s office will deploy additional police personnel, tasked with closely monitoring the weather conditions as forecasted by IMD Shimla before granting permissions.
Furthermore, the order specifically restricts paragliding pilots too, from flying near the Dhauladhar range. It also states that any prior permissions for trekking will stand automatically canceled if IMD Shimla issues a weather warning or alert. However, exemptions are provided for disaster management teams such as the NDRF, SDRF, and search and rescue teams from the Mountaineering Centre McLeodganj and local police.
DC Bairwa instructed the District Tourism Officer to ensure all stakeholders in Kangra’s tourism sector inform visitors about the restrictions and potential penalties for violations. The directive also warns that violations will invite strict action under Section 188 of the IPC and Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
The order is part of the district administration’s proactive approach to ensuring the safety of trekkers and the smooth functioning of tourism activities. It will remain in effect until further notice.
Arvind Sharma is an award winning bi-lingual journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
He has worked with Divya Himachal, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhasker, Vir Partap, Ajit and PTI.
In 2010, he was conferred the Himachal Kesri journalism award. He reports on the Tibetan Government in Exile, politics, sports, tourism and other topics. He lives in Dharamshala.
