Extra personnel will be deployed by the SP’s office to assess weather forecasts from the Meteorological Department in Shimla before granting any permissions for trekking.
Kangra district authorities in Himachal Pradesh have imposed a temporary ban on trekking activities above 3,000 metres in the Dhauladhar range, citing safety concerns amid winter conditions.
The announcement was made by Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, who emphasised the harsh topography and risks posed by recent mild snowfall and plummeting night temperatures.
While Kangra valley has been in a prolonged dry spell for over six weeks, the Dhauladhar range recently experienced light snowfall, leading to significant drops in nighttime temperatures.
To ensure public safety, the district has mandated prior permission from the Superintendent of Police (SP) Kangra for trekking on lower-altitude routes such as Kareri, Triund, and Adi Himani Chamunda. The order also restricts paragliding pilots from flying near the Dhauladhar range.
District SP Shalini Agnihotri highlighted that the decision aims to protect trekkers from potential risks, noting past incidents of fatalities on winter trekking routes. “In the interest of public safety, trekking on main, link, and local routes has been suspended temporarily. Violations of these magisterial orders will be dealt with under the law,” Agnihotri stated.
The directive also includes enhanced monitoring measures. Extra personnel will be deployed by the SP’s office to assess weather forecasts from the Meteorological Department in Shimla before granting any permissions for trekking.
Exemptions to the ban have been granted to disaster management teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and search-and-rescue teams from the Mountaineering Centre in McLeod Ganj. Local police involved in emergency operations are also exempted.
Authorities urge trekkers and paragliding enthusiasts to respect the restrictions, emphasising that the temporary measures prioritize human safety and health during the challenging winter months. The order remains in effect until further notice.
With this precautionary step, Kangra district aims to mitigate risks and ensure a safer experience for adventurers exploring the picturesque yet demanding Dhauladhar range.
Source- India Today
