Theni forest fire: TN govt to set new rules for trekkers

The Department of Forests and Environment is to soon introduce a new policy that will govern trekkers after the aftermath of the Kurangani forest fire tragedy in Theni district in March that killed 23 people.

According to the new policy that has been formulated, trekkers can't independently organise treks, over the internet, for instance, and all information has to come under the ambit of the forest officials.

Forest officials need to be kept abreast of the route being taken, the number of trekkers, etc. Forest officials are also set to mark some of the routes as being cordoned off to avert tragedy. This step has been taken in a bid to boost safety while developing Tamil Nadu as a travel destination.

(Representative image)