Need to make popular trekking spots safe

The difficult path to Ratangad Fort

The office of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed the Nashik Superintendent of Police to set up a police outpost near Ratangad Fort, for coordination with trekkers in case of emergency.

The development comes after 17 trekkers from Mumbai were stuck there recently due to bad weather. They had no way of seeking help either. This group was rescued after one of the trekker's family members alerted a government official that the trekkers were inaccessible for a long time.

Once the red flag was raised, the official machinery swung into action and the group was rescued the next day in the morning, after being incommunicado since the previous evening.

The trekkers, along with the local guide, were supposed to return to the base camp from the fort by afternoon. There was heavy rain and low visibility. The trekking group lost their way when they tried to return, walking at least eight hours at night. They reached camp the next day at 12.30 am. No mobile network, low visibility, slippery surfaces made it a dangerous combine.

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A police outpost mid-way can help as reports show this is a popular hiking destination. Yet, the nearest police outpost from the fort is 40 km away, and that distance is certainly daunting in case of rough weather.

Hiking points and popular destinations, accessed through monsoon and winter months, are great getaways. Yet, trekkers need to exercise as much caution as possible. Powerful flashlights are a must in the rainy season. It is better to wait at a spot till daylight if conditions are too treacherous to carry on ahead. We have to use sound logic in determining whether to go ahead.

Small outposts will certainly help as these can be first responder spaces in case of any emergency. If this route warrants even a small check post with alert, well-trained personnel, then there should be no delay in implementing it.