In the wake of the recent tragedies during trekking expeditions, the Himachal Pradesh tourism department has launched a trekking management system, an online platform to keep a tab on trekking activities.
The trekking management system would provide a mechanism to trekkers to inform the authorities in advance about their trekking plan.
In addition to monitoring trekking operations, the system is also designed to ensure both the safety and security of trekkers, said director of tourism Amit Kashyap.
By utilising a prompt information service, it becomes a lot easier to track not only group trekking activities, but also the activities of individual trekkers.
As of now, the department has provided the link to the system on its website and a mobile app is also being developed.
The system has registration facility for individual trekkers as well as the agencies organising the expeditions.
It would be mandatory for trekkers to register on the system before embarking on the trek and upload complete information about their intended expedition.
As soon as someone would register on the app and update their trekking plan, the information will automatically be relayed to the deputy commissioners of the district and sub-divisional magistrate, and SHO of the police station of concerned area where the trekking activity will take place.
{{/usCountry}}As soon as someone would register on the app and update their trekking plan, the information will automatically be relayed to the deputy commissioners of the district and sub-divisional magistrate, and SHO of the police station of concerned area where the trekking activity will take place.
{{/usCountry}}This would help in prompt action in case of emergency and launch rescue operation at earliest if someone was lost or met with an accident.
The system also has the information about the trekking routes in Himachal which have been labeled red, orange and green on the basis of difficulty level. From the system, trekkers will also information about which trekking route is good during which season.
Kashyap said that an app is also being developed to regulate paragliding.
Last Saturday, a climber from Shimla’s Chopal area went missing after being hit by an avalanche near the Friendship Peak Summit in Manali of Kullu district.
Earlier this month, a US tourist had gone missing in a forest area near Dharamshala. His body was found a week later in a gorge.