Guides Taking Tourists to Triund Site Despite Restrictions, Action Taken

Dharamshala, 29 December: A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed against four trekking guides in Kangra district for violating the ban on trekking above 3,000 meters, imposed by the local administration. The guides were found leading a group of tourists to the popular Triund trekking site, despite the district’s restrictions aimed at ensuring the safety of trekkers.

The case has been registered under sections 223 and 3; 5 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. In response to increasing safety concerns, Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa had issued a complete ban on trekking above 3,000 meters, with specific instructions for trekking activities. As part of the directive, trekking on routes such as Kareri, Triund, and Aadi Himani Chamunda requires prior permission from the Kangra Superintendent of Police.

The orders also stipulate that any previously granted trekking permissions for these routes will be automatically revoked if the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in Shimla issues a warning or alert. However, certain disaster management teams, including NDRF, SDRF, and the Mountaineering Centre’s search and rescue units, are exempt from this directive.

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Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa emphasized that the restrictions are implemented for the safety of tourists, and he has directed the District Tourism Officer to ensure that all stakeholders in the tourism sector, including trekking guides, inform tourists about the current restrictions. The administration has also made it clear that violations will result in punitive action.