Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Forest Department on Monday banned trekking in forest areas with immediate effect after wildfire claimed several lives in the Korangani Hills near Theni in Kerala-Tamil Nadu border area on Sunday.
The order is binding on all forest areas in the state, the forest department said.
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The ban was issued as directed by the Chief Secretary after several people, including men, women and child, of a 37-member group died due to burn injuries.
The ban, enforced on February 15, will be in place till April 15.
The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary has already started disallowing visitors citing threat of wildfire.
