Himachal Pradesh’s breathtaking Dhauladhar range, known for its stunning beauty, has seen the temporary suspension of high-altitude trekking activities. Kangra Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hemraj Bairwa announced the ban on Wednesday, citing significant safety concerns due to the harsh topography and the impending risks of winter snowfall. This proactive measure aims to protect trekkers from potential dangers associated with unpredictable weather conditions in the mountainous region.
The ban specifically prohibits trekking above 3,000 meters in the Dhauladhar range until further notice. This decision underscores the administration’s commitment to public safety and responsible tourism. For those still wishing to explore the lower-altitude trekking routes such as Kareri, Triund, and Adi Himani Chamunda, prior permission from the Superintendent of Police (SP) Kangra is now mandatory. This process ensures that trekkers are aware of the current weather conditions and potential risks before embarking on their journey.
Furthermore, the restrictions extend to paragliding activities in the vicinity of the Dhauladhar range. The potential for severe weather conditions poses significant risks to paragliders, and this ban is a crucial safety precaution. The SP’s office will play a vital role in evaluating weather forecasts from the Meteorological Department in Shimla before granting any trekking permits. This meticulous approach will help ensure that permissions are only granted when weather conditions are favorable.
To further enhance safety protocols, the order dictates that trekking permissions will be automatically revoked if a weather warning or alert is issued by the Meteorological Department. This real-time responsiveness ensures that trekkers are immediately informed of any impending dangers and can take appropriate actions to ensure their safety. Exemptions from the ban will be granted only to essential services such as disaster management teams, including NDRF, SDRF, and search-and-rescue teams from the Mountaineering Centre in McLeod Ganj, along with local police forces.
The District Tourism Officer has also been tasked with disseminating information about these restrictions to all stakeholders within Kangra’s tourism sector. This ensures that visitors are fully aware of the limitations and potential consequences of violating the order. The directive warns of strict penalties under the Bhartiya Nayaya Sanhita and Sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, for any violations.
Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a significant drop in temperature. The temperature on Wednesday plummeted to 15.11 degrees Celsius, with a forecast of minimum and maximum temperatures of 6.33 °C and 18.2 °C, respectively. Further temperature drops are expected in the coming days, increasing the likelihood of snowfall in higher altitude areas. This reinforces the rationale behind the trekking ban, highlighting the need for precautionary measures to safeguard the well-being of trekkers and visitors alike.
