Bengaluru, 9 April

Karnataka Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre has instructed authorities to formulate a standard operating procedure (SOP) for trekking safety, intended to serve as a national model.

The Minister issued the instruction in writing to the Chief Wildlife Warden in the wake of the disappearance of a woman from Kerala in the dense Tadiandamol forest, and the search for a minor girl in Chandradrona hills, his office said in a release on Thursday.

Like the ‘e-Gastu’ app already developed by the Forest Department and the ‘MStripes’ app used in tiger reserves, if a similar kind of app is temporarily installed on the mobile phones of trekkers during the trek, it will be easier to track those who go astray, hence the Forest Minister has directed to take steps to develop the app and provide group insurance to trekkers, it said.

In addition, Khandre has suggested that nature guides should be equipped with wireless communication sets and they should be held accountable for safety and coordination of trekking groups under their supervision, it added.

Safety tips while trekking

Do’s

•           Carry essentials: water (At least 4 litres), dry fruits, whistle, headlamp, power bank.

•           Download offline maps before starting.

•           Stay on the main trail and be aware of your route.

•           Hike with a group (avoid going solo on unfamiliar trails).

•           Take regular headcounts in groups.

•           Move to a higher point to signal for help.

Don’ts

•           Don’t wander off the main trail.

•           Don’t panic or move randomly if lost.

•           Don’t eat wild plants or unknown food.

•           Don’t let your phone battery die.

•           Don’t lose sight of your group, especially during descents.