Dharamshala: Taking a serious view of the recent rise in incidents involving trekkers getting stranded, going missing, or meeting with accidents on various routes in the Dhauladhar mountain range of Kangra district, District Magistrate Hemraj Bairwa has issued stern orders in the interest of public safety. These orders come into immediate effect and will remain valid until October 15, 2026.
The magistrate stated that trekking activities become increasingly hazardous during the monsoon season due to landslides, dense fog, flash floods, poor visibility, and slippery trails. In many instances, search and rescue operations become prolonged, challenging, and resource-intensive because trekkers fail to provide prior notification of their journey or details regarding their intended route. This jeopardizes the safety of not only the trekkers but also the members of the rescue teams.
In light of these circumstances, the District Disaster Management Authority, Kangra, has identified ten major trekking routes in the district. Situated at altitudes ranging from 3,600 to 4,600 meters within the Dhauladhar range, these routes include Baleni, Minkiani, Bhimghasutri, Indrahar, Kundli, Toral, Talang, Singhar, Varu, and Jalsu Pass. Disaster management check-posts will be established at the starting points of all these routes, operating daily from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
According to the orders, it is mandatory for every individual or group intending to traverse these identified routes to register in person at the respective check-post before commencing the trek. Additionally, they must provide details of their itinerary, contact information, and the expected time of return.
The magistrate clarified that if any individual or group engages in trekking without registration, or deviates from the designated route without prior intimation and subsequently falls victim to an accident or disaster, the services of private rescue teams will be engaged for their rescue if necessary. The expenses incurred during such rescue operations will be recovered from the concerned individual or group.
He stated that strict legal action, in accordance with the rules, will be taken against those violating these orders under Section 51 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
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.
