Tatsat Chronicle Magazine

Kangra Trekking Ban for Positive Impact on Disaster Management

November 11, 2021
Kangra trekking ban

The Kangra trekking ban has recently been put in place to have better disaster management and preparedness systems in place, in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Prevention and mitigation are two of the main elements of disaster management. To this end, the Himachal Pradesh government has banned trekking in the scenic and beautiful Kangra valley, which is also the site for much tourist activity. This ban extends to all mountains and hills above 3000 meters above sea level. The ban has been accorded thanks to the Disaster Management Act of 2004 and its Section 34.

This ban was put in place for a more positive social impact on the people of the Kangra valley. The social impact of the Kangra trekking ban can be described as follows:

  • Rural Development: With the higher reaches now protected from tourists and a massive carbon footprint thanks to the Kangra trekking ban, the population of these areas would now have a better chance at rural development at the grassroots level that would be more far reaching rather than merely catering for the tourists. Aspects like nutrition, welfare and sustainable farming practices can be put in place so as to bring in a better rural environment in these regions.
  • Safety and Security: With the said trekking ban, there would also be a lowering of the risk that local people face when there are landslides and tourists who have to be evacuated. This would make for more secure communities in these regions of Himachal Pradesh.
  • Carbon Emissions: The rate of emissions due to the lessening of the transport of men and material would be brought down drastically, which also reduces the risk of many calamities and brings down the rate of global warming in these regions as well. Further, the flora and fauna would also thrive in these regions due to less emissions and carbon footprints here.