Recent arrest of trekkers for violating forest rules shows the kind of confusion in eco-tourism sector

What starts off as an innocuous desire to explore the lush forests and towering peaks of the State, sometimes ends up as an interrogation by a forest officer or at the local police station. For 18 trekkers from Bengaluru, the experience was all too real when they arrived at M.M. Hills. Organised through a travel portal, they landed in the forests of Chamrajanagar, only to be rounded up by the officials of the Forest Department for illegally trespassing into a wildlife sanctuary.

This experience, however, is not uncommon, particularly with adventure portals, trekking clubs and informal groups increasing in number to catch up with the demand for trekking.

“We had no idea that the trek was illegal. As a portal, we rely on the vendors who offer these treks … it is up to them to obtain the required permissions. We relied entirely on the local guide … since there are no boards or signs demarcating revenue and forest land, those in the trek did not know they had strayed into a forest range,” said Pradyot Punj of the portal adventuresome.in, which organised the trek.

Portals insist responsibility lies on the vendors — locals offering the trek — and participants are made to sign an indemnity contract fixing responsibility of any eventualities on the guides themselves. “After this experience, we will ensure that all vendors have the required permissions. Many organisations are not aware of this,” added Mr. Punj.

Business-minded

An increase in for-profit companies over the last two years has seen rampant flouting of rules, says Niranjan Kumar, an avid trekker, who organises hiking outings on a voluntary basis. “These companies tend to rely on locals looking to make a quick buck. We have seen them litter and burst crackers to make it seem like a party for gullible participants. What costs us Rs. 300 to organise will be charged Rs. 1,400 by some companies. It has become less about nature and more about commerce. This gives a bad name to all trekkers,” he said.

The Kodagu experience

In Kodagu, which attracts thousands of Bengaluru residents on weekends, the trek through the reserve forest at Thadiyandamol — the highest peak in the district — was proving to be a headache for the officials of the Forest Department. “There used to be night treks offered by coffee plantations and home stays in the area. We have put an end to it by posting a watcher there. Also, boards have been installed to warn trekkers,” said Manoj Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests (Kodagu).

For Forest Department officials, illegal trekking remains a problem in Chikkamagaluru, Chamarajanagar and Dakshina Kannada districts. The emphasis, instead, is on the Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board to increase the number of trails that are offered legally. “After the monsoons, we will be offering more trails and ensure that trekking and hiking can be done in a regulated manner,” said Vijay Mohan Raj, Additional CEO of the Board.

No night trek near Bengaluru

Benglauru may see more hiking trails once the monsoon clouds clear. The Karnataka Eco-Tourism Development Board has proposed opening of trails such as Skandagiri, Savandurga, and Madhugiri. However, the once popular night treks — done surreptitiously over the years — will remain banned as forest officials emphasise that large-scale human movement adversely disturbs nocturnal animals

Will an app clear the confusion?

With eco-tourism, particularly trekking, remaining shrouded in confusion and bureaucracy, the Forest Department hopes to bring in some clarity by launching “myecotrip,” a mobile application.“From zoo tickets to bookings in jungle lodges to trekking trails, this app will allow citizens to directly connect with the nature activity of their choice,” said Vijay Mohan Raj, Additional CEO of the Karnataka EcoTourism Development Board. The app, however, will be launched only in September after the monsoon and when forest trails will once again be open to trekkers.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / Mohit M Rao / Bengaluru – July 13th, 2016