Forest Department issues new guidelines for safety measures, trekker registration

The Forest Department has officially approved trekking at Nagamale in the Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) and has issued specific guidelines for trekkers.

Devotees visiting MM Hills frequently embark on hikes to Nagamale, often neglecting the narrow paths, dense forests and steep terrains. The number of trekkers has significantly increased over time.

However, last year, tragedy struck when two techies from Bengaluru were killed in a wild elephant attack during a trek to Nagamale, prompting a ban on trekking in February.

Additionally, vehicles transporting devotees and trekkers from MM Hills to Indiganatha village on Nagamale Road were found to be unfit for operation.

The rising number of devotees created a demand for more vehicles, leading to numerous violations, including the use of vehicles without Fitness Certificates and Motor Vehicle Insurance, with some even lacking registration plates.

Many vehicles exceeded the capacity of eight passengers, with individuals occupying the bonnet and roof, resulting in a staggering total of 18 to 20 passengers per vehicle. In response to the numerous complaints regarding these issues, the Forest Department imposed a temporary ban on vehicle movement to Nagamale.

To address the transportation needs of villagers between MM Hills and Nagamale and to accommodate devotees, the Tulasikere Environment Development Committee, under the Palar Wildlife Range, initiated a vehicle service in 2018-19.

In the light of devotees’ requests, the Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Division has revamped the trekking experience and established rules for trekkers. Emphasis has been placed on ensuring the security and safety of trekkers, with provisions made to transport trekkers from Haliyur Gate, where the Nagamale Forest begins. Those wishing to trek to Nagamale must visit www.aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in to register. Only 200 trekkers will be permitted each day.

Trekking is allowed for a total distance of 14 km (7 km each way from Haliyur Gate to Nagamale). A Forest Department guide will accompany all trekkers, and plans are in place to gradually increase the number of trekkers permitted in the future.

Safety measures

Previously, during night treks, a person lost his life due to a wild elephant attack. Additionally, vehicles heading to Indiganatha village were deemed unfit for transportation. Many of these vehicles lacked the necessary documentation, prompting a ban to ensure public safety. Now, trekking has been authorised again, but only those who register online will be permitted.

Stringent measures have been implemented to protect both devotees and trekkers, including a ban on single-use plastic items. We found plastic waste scattered along the trekking route, posing a danger to wildlife. In the light of the large quantities of plastic found in the area, we are committed to making the forest plastic-free. — Dr. Santosh Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Division