PUNE: Going for a trek with a group will be a whole new experience now. Collector Rajesh Deshmukh on Sunday allowed the resumption of trekking, mountaineering and adventure sports with restrictions on group size and interactions with local residents, as well as strict adherence to Covid-19 safety guidelines.
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The permission to resume unused since March. Apart from animal movement trekking and adventure sports is a welcome move, and shrub overgrowth, bolts and ropes fixed at the but enthusiasts must be careful and strictly follow trekking sites may have rusted and weakened. They the official guidelines. Amateurs and first-timers need to be checked first before use to avert must not venture out without expert guidance, accidents. Social distancing, use of sanitizer and considering that the trails and trek routes have been masks will make the experience enjoyable and safe.
The order, signed by Deshmukh, has limited the group size to 15 participants and suggested division of the group in case there are more people. The order further mandates thermal temperature scans of all participants as well as the use of masks. Children under 10 years old and senior citizens over 65 years of age will not be permitted to participate in these activities. Furthermore, the standard operating procedures also disallow trekkers from eating or resting at homes of local villagers.
While Deshmukh’s order lays out a brief set of conditions and guidelines, the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh has drafted more elaborate guidelines to ensure the safety of trekkers and locals alike. “We had been seeking the resumption of these activities and submitted our SOPs to the collector. After due deliberations, he added certain conditions and gave us permission,” Umesh Zirpe, president of the association, said.
“We plan to approach other district collectors in the state. Districts like Raigad and Ahmednagar have several forts and we hope for a green signal,” Zirpe added.
Zirpe has also cautioned citizens and trekking enthusiasts about the importance of following safety norms. “Due to the lockdown and restrictions on movement, the trails along most of the forts have not been formed this year. There is heavy outgrowth and the foliage becomes slippery early in the morning due to dew. People must be cautious,” he added.