Admn Bans Trekking Above 3,000 Metres in Himachal’s Kangra District
The district administration of Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh has imposed a complete ban on all trekking activities above an altitude of 3,000 metres.
The move comes amid concerns over tourist safety amid changing weather conditions, officials said on Tuesday.
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District Disaster Management Authority Issues Order
Deputy Commissioner Kangra Hemraj Bairwa said the order was issued by the District Disaster Management Authority as a precautionary step.
He stated that trekking advisories are issued periodically to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of tourists visiting high-altitude areas.
According to the order, all trekking activities above 3,000 metres are strictly prohibited until further notice.
The administration noted that adverse weather conditions at higher elevations can pose serious risks, especially to inexperienced trekkers.
Prior Police Permission Made Mandatory on Popular Routes
The administration has also issued special instructions for trekking routes that remain open below the altitude limit.
Trekkers must now obtain prior permission from the office of the Superintendent of Police, Kangra, before undertaking treks on popular routes such as Triund, Kareri, and Adi Himani Chamunda.
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Officials clarified that permissions will be route-specific and time-bound. Authorities will closely monitor weather forecasts and ground conditions before granting approvals.
Permissions to Stand Cancelled During Weather Alerts
The order further states that if any weather warning or alert is issued by the Meteorological Department in Shimla, all previously granted trekking permissions for the notified routes will be automatically cancelled.
This measure aims to prevent trekkers from entering risky terrain during sudden weather changes, which are common in the higher reaches of the Dhauladhar range.
Rescue and Disaster Response Teams Exempted
Agencies involved in disaster management and emergency response have been exempted from the restrictions. These include the National and State Disaster Response Forces, police search and rescue teams, and the Mountaineering Centre in McLeodganj.
Tourism Stakeholders Asked to Inform Visitors
The Deputy Commissioner has instructed the District Tourism Officer to inform hotels, homestays, travel operators, and other tourism stakeholders about the restrictions.
They have been asked to clearly apprise tourists of the trekking ban and permission requirements.
Recent Rescue Highlights Safety Risks
The decision comes days after four trekkers from Delhi lost their way while trekking towards Triund near Dharamshala.
The group was safely rescued by the police after a search operation, underlining the risks involved in trekking during unpredictable weather.
Authorities have urged tourists to strictly follow guidelines and avoid unauthorised trekking to ensure their safety.
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