Dakshina Kannada, Mar 12: A discussion was held in the Assembly regarding the change in the timing of one of the trekking areas of the state. Sulya MLA Bhagirathi Muralya raised a question regarding the recent changes made in the trekking system from Subramanya to Kumara Parvatha. MLA Bhagirathi Muralya spoke and requested that the trek from near Kukke Subramanya temple to Kumara Parvatha be allowed to start at 5 am as before.
Recently, the trekking starting time was changed to 6 am. Due to this change, there is a time difference in reaching the top of the mountain, and many trekkers are not able to reach the Seshagiri Parvatha area. Therefore, for the convenience of trekkers, she demanded that the government should take steps to allow trekking from 5 am as before.
Minister Ishwar Khandre’s clarification
Responding to this question, Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre said that the trek from Subrahmanya to Kumara Parvat usually takes two days. Although many people go to the mountain and stay there, he said that some rules are strictly followed for the safety of tourists.
He said that the timing has been changed due to the high traffic of wild animals in the mountain area and the trekking route passes through the forest area. The trek of about 19 kilometers takes at least 10 hours. What was previously a long route of about 24 kilometers has now been reduced. Arrangements have been made for tourists who leave in the morning to return by the evening. He said that if two or three thousand people gather in the mountain area at one time, there is a possibility of safety and environmental problems.
Forest fires and safety are the main reason
There is a high possibility of forest fires in forest areas during the summer. In this context, the minister said that the timing has been controlled as a precautionary measure to avoid excessive crowding and to prevent any disaster. He said that this measure has been taken with the intention of not causing any problem to tourists.
Appeal to allow additional time
Speaking again at this time, MLA Bhagirathi Marulya appealed that the government should consider allowing trekking even after 10 am. She was of the opinion that this would benefit tourists coming from far away.
Safari suspended due to tiger attack
Responding to this question, Minister Ishwar Khandre clarified that the government did not intend to completely stop the safari service. However, he said that the service was temporarily suspended in the wake of a recent incident in which three people were injured in a tiger attack in the safari area.