Theni effect: The heat is on but you can't trek

Bengaluru: The blanket ban on trekking expeditions by the state forest department following the Theni forest fire tragedy in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, has come as a severe disappointment to trekking enthusiasts who were planning a respite from the summer heat with the mercury going up steadily.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Jayaram justified the ban saying it had been done to ensure the safety of trekkers who venture out during the summer vacation. At least half a dozen trekking trails carpeted with dry grass will be out of bounds for hikers in view of the forest department’s decision. 

According to Mr Jayaram, instructions have been issued to deputy conservators of forest to deny permission to trekkers at least till the first round of showers. The forest ranges declared out of bounds include Tadiandmol near Madikeri, Mullaiyyanagiri in Chikkamagaluru district and Kudremukh where possibilities of forest fire during summer are high. When it is impossible for the staff of the forest department to reach such places in case of a forest fire, it would not be advisable for hikers to wander around in these areas, he told Deccan Chronicle. Mr Jayaram said forest fire would not be visible during day time but its effect could be felt in surrounding areas. The fire would spread depending on the speed of wind. Sometimes, the fire breaks in adjoining places in case of strong wind. Last year, a Range Forest Officer died on the spot when he was accidentally caught in forest fire. The oxygen level dips to minimum and breathing would become difficult. Besides, the fire extracts energy and it would be difficult to walk, let alone run from the spot. When trained forest personnel find it difficult to handle such extreme conditions how could trekkers manage it, he said adding all these factors were taken into consideration by the department before withdrawing permission for trekking.  

The PCCF admitted that some agents woo hikers from Bengaluru for trekking inside dense forests for a few thousand rupees, risking their lives. These incidents are witnessed in Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts where tourists check into home stays. Guides who know some spots inside the forest take youth and escape when tragedy occurs. In fact, trekking has been banned completely in Bisale Ghat where trekkers have lost lives as they were unable to come out of dense jungles.