Thinking of trekking during the Puja season? Planning to trek to Sandakphu, Falut, the highest point in West Bengal? In that case, be careful, there is news that there are going to be some special changes in the rules. At the beginning of October, tourists flock to Sandak Phu. But this time the Darjeeling district administration and GTA Sandakphu may make some special rules for traveling. Initiatives have been taken to make medical fitness certificate mandatory for tourists. Without that certificate, tourists will not get permission to trek on that road. This is initially thought to be the case.
A tourist died on Wednesday while trekking on Phalut-Sandakphu route. Several tourists have died in the past. From the season of Puja, the tourists can come down again in the north, according to informed sources. The number of tourists will also increase in Sandak Phu. There is such thinking going on for the safety of tourists. Also, preparations are underway to set up health camps on the trekking route. It is mandatory for trekkers to take a guide.
A young man from Tufanganj in Cooch Behar died while trekking on Falut-Sandakphu route last Wednesday. It is known that Yukak of Tufanganj fell seriously ill as the oxygen level in his blood suddenly dropped to 32 percent. It is alleged that the nearest health center is about 40 km away and the treatment was not provided on time. Following the incident, GTA advised tourists traveling to Sandak Phu to be extra cautious to avoid high altitude and cold sickness.
To avoid danger, the district administration and GTA are going to make it mandatory to show medical fitness certificate if you want to go trekking or travel in Sandakphu. Along with this, it has been made mandatory for the trekkers to hire a guide for 1200 taka per day. But tourists who go to Sandakphu by Land Rover vehicle, it is not mandatory to take a guide. The reason for such a rule change is that the number of tourists in Sandak Phu is increasing at the beginning of October. Various trekking organizations and local guide associations are booking fixed departure group trekking slots for the month of October and November. Singalila Land Rover Association feels that the crowd will naturally increase during the Puja holidays.
Chandan Pradhan, president of the organization, said, “Just enforcing the rules will not do. A medical center should be set up at Sandakphu to avoid danger. Adequate oxygen cylinders should be kept in stock.” An official of the Darjeeling district administration admitted the problem and said that under the 'Vibrant Villages Programme-II', plans have been made to build a health center at Sandakphu. The land required for this has also been identified. Now if a tourist falls ill, he has to be brought down to Sukhiapokhri block primary health center about 40 km away. It takes about four hours to cross this hilly route. During that time, it was destroyed. Raj Basu, president of Association of Conservation and Tourism (ACT) has also requested to ban the sale of liquor in Sandakphu. He also sent a WhatsApp message to Nepal's ambassador in Kolkata in this regard. Raj Bose said that this matter is at the stage of discussion.
Now Indian tourists have to pay an entry fee of Tk 200 per head and foreign tourists Tk 500 to enter Singalila National Park. However, it is not seen as much anger in the tourist community. Already with clear October skies, Sandakphu and Phalut have a clear view of Mt Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu peaks. Land Rover vehicles are operating normally on Manebhanjan to Sandakphu route. But mountain weather can change anytime. So trekkers are advised to carry enough warm clothes and necessary medicines.