Published in Dwarka Express on 15.6.24

It is unfortunate that nine Bengaluru based trekkers lost their lives in Uttarakhand due to extreme weather conditions. It has raised the eyebrows of many. Trekking is refreshing. Trekkers explore new terrains. It is adventurous. Trekking helps identifying new species of flora and fauna. Many a time, one comes across tribals and learn about flora and fauna, undiscovered so far. If we ask the trekkers, they would even speak of team spirit and newer acquaintances. Above all, it helps one maintain good health and mental happiness. It is all true. When clubbed with mountaineering, it becomes more adventurous. Those who reach base camp of Everest, feel having accomplished a mission, though they still aspire conquering Everest. Trekking in lowing ranges and jungles are not that risky though trekking alone is not advisable from the safety point of view.

In Kodaikanal range of Tamil Nadu, a trekking spot was named madhi kettan shola which in Tamil means brain teasing jungle. Anyone who gets into that dense forest without proper guide will easily lose track of their route. With compass, and GPS devises nowadays trekking has become easier. One can easily be tracked from far off locations. Easily help can reach the trekkers if lost in the middle. Science and technology have proved that anything is possible. But one should not forget that nature is unbeatable and unconquerable. Neither it could be tamed. Modern technology had on several occasions failed to track even flights and ships that vanished in oceans, jungles and mountains. There are many unexplored spots in planet earth. Homo sapiens are not successful in cent percent discovery of planet earth, leave alone other planets in the universe.

Coming to Bengaluru case, the trekkers who lost their lives were experienced trekkers. In fact, 2 trekkers who left the team and trekked alone returned safe to base camp while 9 succumbed due to unfavourable weather conditions which is unexpected in the period of their visit to Himalayas. The trekkers were on their way to Sahastra Tal (lake) in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi on June 4. The trek operating agency has been booked for negligence. It was found that the mandatory medical checkup was not done for the trekkers and no guide had accompanied them which is also a must. These are undoubtedly major discrepancies in their operation.  Trekking or mountaineering may never be banned, since it is an adventure sport. It has set advantages too. But it is essential that the mandatory safety measures are strictly enforced. There are many cases in history where trekkers got stranded deep in the jungle or mountains. ‘The woods are lovely dark and deep’, says the famous poet Robert Frost. He however reminds everyone, ‘but I have promises to keep’. In literal sense also, these meaningful words should never be forgotten. Although the cloud bursts, inclement weather and landslides are unpredictable, it is essential to take precautions. Climate change has made our life harsher and more challenging. Climate adversities as well as callousness will land anyone in trouble. It is necessary that safety measures are beefed up by the Government (Picture Courtey: Representative picture taken from Internet)