Similarly, there have been frequent conversations about environmental concerns among activists as a result of this increase. Consequently, Minister for Forests and Environment Eeshwar Khandre has announced that henceforth all trekking activities should be booked online following two major incidents this year – one involving over 1000 people gathering near Kumara Parvatha in the Western Ghats on January 26th, while on a Saturday and Sunday about 5000 people climbed different peaks at Chikkamagaluru in June.
Some of the highest peaks in southern India are found in Karnataka, and more people are getting involved in mountaineering.
Scene of trekkers assembled on January 26 at Devaragadde checkpost near Kukke Subrahmanya in Dakshina Kannada, which is the starting point of the trek to Kumaraparvata peak. Many trekkers were seen flocking into Kumaraparvat this year around January 26th to January 27th.
What worries environmentalists?
Some online booking systems notwithstanding, environmentalists and ordinary hikers argue that the central government has not been able to strictly regulate crowds. For example, before this overcrowding incident happened at Kumara Parvatha, there was already a reservation system. KEDB officials had also admitted earlier that many trails allowed slack observance of rules and regulations but would enforce them more strictly in the next few months.
In addition, thousands of people visiting these trails has also caused small businesses to crop up near the summits which continues to be an issue. Such shops as those peddling instant noodles, fresh coconuts, mineral water bottles and warm drinks often lead to littering in eco-sensitive areas with no proper waste management either. They also warn that too many individuals relieving themselves on the hiking paths will cause other problems.
More than one lakh trekkers had visited different paths of KEDB within eight months in 2023. This number was significantly higher than the 96,000 people who visited the same areas for a period of twelve months the previous year. Such an increase in numbers has left regular trekkers wondering why some people even go trekking.
“What draws Bengaluru crowd especially from IT sector is mountaineering; they need to release adrenaline during their weekends. For others, it is all about shooting reels and taking pictures for posting on social media platforms. That is why nowadays there are many people streaming to hills. It is also for these exact reasons that we need strong regulations,” said a Forest Department official.
What did the Minister say recently?
Khandre revealed plans to launch soon an online booking system for both Kuduremukh and Netravati peaks, which will be gradually extended to other trails as well in Kuduremukh National Park.
“Overnight trekking places have suddenly surged up. It has led to disturbance of ecosystem around such places. Each aspect requires streamlining as well. Besides, no pilferage should occur while collecting money through tickets. Therefore, I ordered our department to develop an online booking system covering all ecotourism spots”, explained Khandre
How can I book online?
Under an online booking system scheduled for introduction in Kudremukha, only 300 individuals will be allowed into those sites each day at most. The bookings for one month open on every 25th of the preceding month – e.g., July 25th should witness any reservations made relating August. One person can buy up tickets worth three persons maximum. In addition between March and September several routes are closed due monsoons prohibiting trekking.
The weekend booking system has changed a little bit too. Out of the total available tickets i.e., 300 two hundred will be sold under tatkal scheme. Among them 50 tickets can be sold at the last moment and another 50 are for local villagers. Tatkal booking will open every Thursday at 10 a.m.
In case of all slots in a certain peak being booked, other mountains around will have empty slots on the website thus allowing trekkers to change their plans.
