Trekking will now be permitted in Kangra district, subject to specific conditions: DC

Dharamsala, August 11, 2023: Trekking will now be permitted in Kangra district, subject to specific conditions. The District Magistrate, Dr. Nipun Jindal, has revised the previous ban on trekking, which was issued on July 22 under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act-2005, following a request from Adventure and Tour Operators.

Under the new guidelines, tourists and tour operators interested in trekking must obtain permission and provide relevant information to the local police station. The approval for trekking will be granted based on the weather forecast provided by the Meteorological Department. If adverse weather conditions are predicted for the next 48 hours, trekking will not be permitted.

The District Magistrate has instructed the police administration and sub-divisional officers to ensure compliance with these orders. Additionally, the District Tourism Development Officer has been tasked with informing all hotel operators about these regulations.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Nipun Jindal emphasized the risks associated with trekking during the monsoon season, such as landslides. Dr Jindal said,”The administration has faced challenges in rescuing individuals stranded in high-altitude areas during previous treks. To prevent any untoward incidents, certain conditions have been imposed regarding trekking permissions.”

It is important to note that a complete ban on trekking in Kangra district was initially imposed until September 15, as stated in the orders issued on July 22. However, the Adventure and Tour Operator Association submitted a written request to the district administration, urging them to allow trekking under specific conditions.