What to do if lost while trekking? Basic survival techniques

Kozhikode native Sharanya, who got lost in the dense forests of Coorg for four days, with only a half-litre water bottle, was rescued by a team of tribals and forest officials. Although she was found alright, everyone wonders how she survived in the forest where wild animals roam. She was the only one who got lost when everyone else in her trekking group returned safely. It was her survival skills that kept her alive for four days and drew the attention of the rescuers. 

On Sunday, Sharanya (36), a native of Nadapuram in Kozhikode, was rescued from Madikkeri in Coorg. She got lost while trekking at the Thadindamol peak, the third-highest peak in Karnataka, situated 1748 feet above sea level in the Western Ghats. A rescue team comprising 100 members, including the tribal people, set out on a mega rescue mission to bring back Sharanya. 

Sharanya’s experience teaches us a few lessons in basic survival skills and techniques:
•If you are lost while trekking, try to contact someone using your mobile phone. Sharanya had sent a message to the homestay where she was staying as soon as she got lost. The forest department began the rescue mission based on the details in this message. 
•Stop moving forward as soon as you realise that you got lost. Sharanya says that she stopped moving when she realised that she was lost.

•Try finding a safe spot. It is better to stay put at a safer spot, as moving deep into the forest will make rescue difficult. 
•Believe that you will be found by the forest officials. Sharanya was expecting drones to find her, so she chose to stay in an open space. 
•Understand the presence of water. Sharanya stayed close to a stream. Collect water and rest at a higher spot. 
•Attain good physical fitness before trekking. Sharanya survived in the forest without food for 4 days because she is physically fit. Keeping your body fit through regular training and exercise would be helpful while trekking.

Points to note while trekking
•The members in Sharanya’s trekking group say that she was walking a bit away from them. It is always better to stay close to your group while trekking. 
•Do not forget to carry fruits or other lighter snacks with you. Sharanya had only a half-litre water bottle with her when she lost her way. 

Why do people go trekking
There are lots of mountains, like the Thadiantamol in Karnataka, where people go for trekking. Agastyarkoodam, which is one of the most adventurous treks in South India, is in Kerala. The 28-day Agastyaroodam trekking season from Makaravilakku to Shivarathri is quite famous. The number of visitors is limited as it is home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna. The forest department allows only up to 100 people at Agastyarkoodam per day. Adventure enthusiasts who enjoy the mountains and forests come to Agastyarkoodam from all over the country to trek. After this, there will be off–season trekking trips too. Such trekking is advantageous to the forest as well as the forest dwellers. 

Social trekking
Forest officials say the Agastyarkoodam trek is more than just a fun activity, as it lets the public experience the forest's mysteries and gain valuable knowledge about it. They add that such trekking trips are important today, when deforestation has become common, as they keep people closer to the forests and raise awareness of the need to protect them. By observing the flora, fauna, and forest streams, you will understand that they are inevitable for the survival of the earth and its beings. Trekking trips will also make us realise the harmful effects of plastic on the earth and the importance of preserving the pristine forests. 

“This is the most adventurous trek in South India and is often seen as a social trek. It is not possible for the forest officials to reach every nook and corner of the forest at all times. If people can reach such difficult spots, it ensures that nothing unnatural happens there. Such trekking is, in fact, helpful for preserving the forest. Meanwhile, we ensure the integrity of the forest by limiting the number of visitors per day. Besides, trekkers often cross many streams to reach the summit of Agastyarkoodam. They see the Karamanayar, Attayar, and Vazhapainthiyar rivers along the way. At the summit, you could see the Neeyar River originating from one side and the Thamarabharaniyar from the other side. People can see and understand how forests provide water. Seeing and experiencing is far better than just reading from books. They will also understand the importance of protecting the forest without littering it with plastic waste,” says forest range officer Vinod SU. 

Community development through eco-tourism
Trekking trips have to be planned without harming the lives and lifestyles of the people who rely on forests. Tribals from the Bonekad and Peppara regions have been hired as workers in all the camps. Besides, they are the guides who accompany the trekking party to the camps and the summit. There are also people to carry the trekkers’ luggage to the camps. So, the forest dwellers can earn a good income from these. People from the Kodiyan Ooru tribal settlement run the canteen at the Athirumala base camp. Meanwhile, trekkers could purchase good-quality wild honey and other forest products directly from the tribal people. Forest officers say that tribal people earn a good income from such eco-tourism projects, and this reduces their dependence on the forest for other purposes, thereby reducing the risk of abusing the forest products. 

Income to support other forests
The trekking fee to Agastyarkoodam is Rs 3000, of which Rs 500 is the forest maintenance fee. Up to 100 trekkers are allowed in a day at Agastyarkoodam. So, the forest department is earning a good amount of income by organising this seasonal trekking trip. This income is often used for preserving other forests. Agastyarkoodam trekking is more than just a fun activity, as it plays a pivotal role in forest preservation.