Following the visit of thousands of trekkers to the Kumara Parvata trek in Karnataka's Pushpagiri forest on January 26, the government has put a temporary ban on trekking pathways without an online booking system to prevent overcrowding in the forest.

The Karnataka Forest Department has announced a temporary ban on trekking in forest areas beginning February 1 until standard operating procedures are established. However, hiking will be permitted in 23 locations where online booking is available.

In this respect, Ishwar Khandre, Minister of Forests, Biology, and Environment, has issued unambiguous instructions to the Chief Conservator of Forests and the Chief of the Forest Task Force.

He stated that the ecosystem and water will suffer if thousands more trekkers arrive weekly in thickly wooded hilly areas, particularly the Western Ghats, which are rich in biodiversity. Because sources are similarly contaminated, it has been advised that such excursions be limited.

Visitors are freely tossing plastic carrybags

According to a message submitted to the chairman of the forest task force, the tendency of trekking over wooded mountain summits has lately surged among the state's young, resulting in weekend congestion.

Khandre stated that the government has become aware that visitors are freely tossing plastic carrybags, bottles, plates, leftover food items, and so on in settlements on the outskirts of the forest and environmentally sensitive areas, threatening wildlife.

He stated that supervising that many people and verifying everyone would be a significant issue for the forest department staff.

He also highlighted a claim that some trekkers are camping overnight in tents while hiking, as well as online booking until a standard operating procedure (SOP) is developed in all trekking destinations, including Kumara Parvata and Thukkanninagudda, which do not have an online booking system.

Ishwar Khandre has advised to temporarily cease the trek till the necessary provisions are completed. According to ANI, only 150 trekkers are now allowed on the hiking pathways maintained by the Forest Department's Eco Tourism Department, and bookings have been made available for the same.

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