After the accident on Kedartal track, now the administration is talking about making changes in the SOP related to trekking and mountaineering. Whereas after the accident that occurred on the Sahastratal track in the year 2024, SOP was prepared by the district administration by constituting a committee two years ago. But the continuously increasing accidents on the tracking routes of the district are raising questions regarding the adherence to SOP.
Since 2021, more than 53 trekkers have lost their lives in avalanches and other incidents while trekking and mountaineering on various track routes of the district. Whereas even before that, trackers and mountaineers have lost their lives in many incidents. In the year 2024, nine trekkers on the Sahastratal track died after getting trapped in a snow storm and their health deteriorated. After that, a nine-member committee was constituted by the District Magistrate and SOP for trekking and mountaineering was made.
In this, rules were made making satellite phones mandatory in high altitude areas, along with the guide's experience in trekking and mountaineering, including training certificate. Also, rules were made regarding the number of guides and porters etc. according to the number of trackers according to the category and two days medical training for cooks and porters etc. But the district administration along with the concerned forest department and tourism department have not proved successful in enforcing these rules. Therefore, there is talk of change in SOP only after two years. District Magistrate Prashant Arya says that some standards will be added to the SOP keeping security in mind. The rules will also be made strict to follow this.