Sreenanda incident follows Karnataka Tourism's plan to frame child protection policy: App for trekkers soon
Karnataka is mulling the launch of mobile applications to ensure safety at trekking spots. It would be similar to the 'E Gasthu' app by the forest department and the 'MStripes' app at the tiger reserves. Besides, trekkers would also be granted insurance coverage. The authorities have decided to
Karnataka is mulling the launch of mobile applications to ensure safety at trekking spots. It would be similar to the 'E Gasthu' app by the forest department and the 'MStripes' app at the tiger reserves. Besides, trekkers would also be granted insurance coverage. The authorities have decided to
Karnataka is mulling the launch of mobile applications to ensure safety at trekking spots. It would be similar to the 'E Gasthu' app by the forest department and the 'MStripes' app at the tiger reserves. Besides, trekkers would also be granted insurance coverage. The authorities have decided to
Karnataka is mulling the launch of mobile applications to ensure safety at trekking spots. It would be similar to the 'E Gasthu' app by the forest department and the 'MStripes' app at the tiger reserves. Besides, trekkers would also be granted insurance coverage. The authorities have decided to increase safety at trekking spots after Kozhikode native GS Sharanya went missing at the Thadiandamol peak in Coorg and was rescued after four days. A few days ago, 15-year-old Kerala tourist Sreenanda was also lost while on vacation in Chikkamagaluru's Manikyadhara waterfalls. Her body was discovered on Friday (April 10) at a depth of around 1,500 feet in the Chandradrona Hill ranges.
App for trekkers
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has given instructions to the chief wildlife warden regarding the app for trekkers. Sharanya, who was lost in the dense forests in the Western Ghats on April 2, was rescued only on April 5. Meanwhile, the Thadiantemole trekking centre remains closed until tomorrow as part of efforts to enhance safety features. A police case was also filed against Sharanya in the state, after certain groups alleged foul play.
Just a few weeks ago, the principal secretary of the Tourism department in Karnataka had reportedly directed the Tourism department commissioner to frame and implement a Child Protection in Tourism policy. According to this, Child Safety Response Teams are expected to be present at all major tourist spots, especially during the summer vacation season. They are also supposed to respond quickly to major accidents and missing persons cases.
A few of the other recommendations are:
1) Display child helpline number and 1098 at tourist accommodations and spots in Kannada and English
2) Danger signs at entrances of deep-water destinations
3) Watch guards to keep an eye on children
4) Separate life jackets, swimming pools for kids
5) Annual audit of tourist spots
6) Mandatory safety certificates for license renewal.
Sreenanda's incident
Palakkad native Sreenanda was on vacation with her family before she went missing near the Manikyadhara Waterfalls in the Chandradrona hill ranges on Tuesday. The teenager, who was part of a 40-member family group, went missing around 5.30 pm while the family was descending the hill after their picnic. Currently, police speculate that her death is an accident, though her relatives suspect foulplay.