Belthangadi: A landslide has occurred in Bandaje forest of Kudremukh Wildlife Division. In a remote forest area, hills and rocks have fallen, and people one km away have seen it. There is no human settlement in this forest area. During the 2019 floods, a massive landslide occurred in Bandaje forest, causing many incidents.
This memory is still fresh in the minds of the people of the taluk. Currently, no such large-scale landslide has occurred. Such minor landslides in Bandaje forest often occur during the rains. It is common for the soil to loosen in hilly areas at the beginning of the rainy season, and some minor landslides occur. This does not pose any dangerous situation, said a Belthangadi Wildlife Division official.
Kudremukh trekking allowed
The Forest Department has given official permission for trekking in Kudremukh, Gangadikal, Netravati and Kurinjal hills under the Kudremukh Wildlife Division from June 1.
According to a Forest Department announcement, those who want to visit these four major trekking destinations must make advance bookings online through the ‘Aranya Vihar’ website. Trekking activities are being carried out as per the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) implemented by the state government, with environmental protection and the safety of trekkers being given top priority.
DFO of Kudremukh Wildlife Division Shuvaram Babu informed that special training has been given to 300 local guides keeping in mind the safety of trekkers. These guides have been provided with necessary safety equipment including walkie-talkies, first aid kits, safety jackets. A system has also been set up to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies.
To reduce the chances of getting lost during the trek, signboards, directional signs, and handbooks containing location information have been arranged along the route. The Forest Department has appealed to trekkers to strictly follow the rules.