Karnataka Introduces SOP to Regulate Trekking, Eco-Trails in Forests

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, August 30, 2026: The Karnataka Forest Department has introduced a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate trekking and eco-trail activities across the State, with a focus on visitor safety and conservation of forest ecosystems.

The move follows several incidents in 2026, including a fatal leopard attack at Male Mahadeshwara Hills, the rescue of a missing trekker at Tadiandamol in Kodagu and an emergency at Bandaje Waterfalls in Chikkamagaluru.

The SOP covers nearly 39 designated trekking routes and mandates route-specific safety assessments before trails are opened. Daily limits on visitor numbers will be imposed to prevent overcrowding and facilitate monitoring by forest personnel.

Trained local youth will accompany trekking groups and assist with navigation, headcounts, biodiversity awareness and emergency response. GPS-enabled communication and tracking devices will also be deployed in remote areas with limited mobile connectivity.

The guidelines provide for marked trails, directional signboards, rest areas and basic facilities such as drinking water and toilets at base camps. Routes may be temporarily closed or restricted when tigers, leopards, elephants or bears are active in the area.

Search and rescue operations will involve Forest Department personnel, police, State Disaster Response Force teams, local communities and drone surveillance. Trekkers and guides violating entry regulations or leaving designated trails may face legal action and blacklisting.

The department said forest trails pass through ecologically sensitive habitats and should not be treated like conventional tourist routes. Trails will be reopened individually after safety assessments, with some routes in the Kudremukh Wildlife Division already reopened.