Trekking above 3000 meters banned in Kangra: New guidelines issued

Mandatory Pre-Permission for Low-Altitude Trekking Routes

Trekking activities above 3,000 meters in Kangra district have been temporarily banned until further notice, as per an order issued by Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa. In light of seasonal considerations, strict guidelines have also been implemented for lower-altitude trekking routes in the region.

The new directive mandates prior permission from the Superintendent of Police (SP), Kangra, for trekking on popular routes like Kareri, Triund, and Himani Chamunda. To ensure compliance, the SP has been instructed to deploy adequate personnel in the office for processing permissions. Additionally, the SP has been advised to monitor weather conditions, as forecasted by IMD Shimla, before granting permissions.

The order also restricts paragliding pilots from flying near the Dhauladhar range. Moreover, all pre-approved trekking permissions for these routes will be revoked if IMD Shimla issues a weather alert or warning. However, the guidelines will not apply to disaster management teams such as the NDRF, SDRF, McLeodganj Mountaineering Centre, and police search-and-rescue forces.

Tourists to Be Informed of Restrictions

Deputy Commissioner Bairwa has directed the district tourism officer to inform tourists and stakeholders in the tourism industry about the restrictions. Tourists must also be made aware of penalties for violating the new regulations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The district administration has warned that any violation of these orders will result in legal action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code and the Disaster Management Act of 2005. These restrictions will remain in place until further instructions are issued.

With these measures, the administration aims to ensure the safety of trekkers and tourists while minimizing risks during the challenging autumn season.