Uncharted Danger: Mountaineering, trekking boom lacks safety net

Srinagar, June 7: Mountaineering and trekking are emerging as prime sports in the Valley, but the lack of regulations and oversight by the authorities is putting the lives of mountaineers and trekkers at risk.
Every year, hundreds of trekkers embark on such expeditions.  However, there are no rules or regulations to verify the credentials of the climbers or trekkers.

John Mohammad, a resident of Aru Pahalgam who participated in the rescue operation at Kolahai Glacier in 2018 where a local died, said, “The climbers and trekkers should be well-trained and equipped for such tours. There must be first-hand medical aid available.”
He mentioned that the Tourism Department has a recreational wing where people going for treks need to register themselves, but very few people do so.
A senior official of the Tourism Department said they have already prepared an adventure policy that needs proper implementation. “There should be an insurance policy, basic rescue equipment, medical kits for any injury, and a dress code for different temperatures,” the official said.
The official also noted that the government has been exploring new tourist destinations. “There are many treks for which people have to get permission and they need to be well-equipped,” the official said.
“A lot of tourists visited these destinations this year. The government has been developing infrastructure at these places.”
Similarly, the Forest Department has opened 75 trek routes in Kashmir for trekkers. These include Badrikali to Galganzara in the Kupwara district, covering a length of 7.43 kilometres; Kishtwar to Nilvan-Bangus-Lachar, covering 18 km; and Nowgam-Kandi-Botapathri-Gulmarg in Baramulla district, covering 18 km. In the Srinagar circle, the trek routes include Doodhpatthri-Diskal, covering 5 km, and Drung-Danwas, covering 7 km, among others.
A senior official of the Forest Department said that the Himalayas offer plenty of opportunities for trekking in the region that were previously inaccessible to locals. “We aim to popularize these off-beat locations. Trekkers can enjoy the ideal panoramic views and experience the surreal beauty of the region. But there must be some regulations from the government,” he said.