What Goa can learn from Uttarakhand trekking tragedy

The Uttarakhand trekkers' deaths are a sad reminder of the importance of trek safety and the unpredictable nature of mountain weather. Nine trekkers lost their lives in their pursuit of adventure. While the outcome is heart-breaking, it's important to acknowledge their adventurous spirit.

While investigators are looking into factors that may have contributed to the incident, pertinent questions arise: Were the trekkers trained to handle bad weather conditions?; was the trekking agency’s knowledge of planning and risk assessment sound enough and were the trekkers accompanied by experienced guides who knew the area well?

Durgadas Parab, who runs Eco Treks Goa, a trekking group, and has  experience of trekking in the mountainous terrain of the Himalayan region, says besides the weather, a lot many things may have gone wrong during the Uttarakhand trek, but one can’t be sure.

He adds, “Group size matters and for treks above 12,000 feet, ideally, there should be no more than 12 trekkers in a group. However, the fateful Uttarakhand excursion had 22 trekkers. You need to remember at these heights you need two able-bodied persons minimum to help one ailing person.”

Also, he asserts, none of the trekkers must carry their luggage. “The use of mules or porters for baggage is recommended. That is a key to prevent exhaustion. However fit you are, you are not mountain people - carrying a load at high altitudes is not advisable,” he adds.

Eco Treks Goa is readying to take 12 trekkers to the Everest Base Camp, which is at 17,500 feet, in September this year. “When I declared this trek three months ago, 20 participants were ready, but I insisted upon a group of 12 only,” Parab mentions.  

While Goa and Uttarakhand may be geographically distinct with unique challenges, safety remains paramount in both locations.

While the satisfaction of conquering a mountain peak and setting your eyes on the awe-inspiring sight of the Himalayas is what draws trekkers to Uttarakhand, there are many who are attracted to Goa to experience the adventure of navigating through dense forests to reach cascading waterfalls deep inside the Western Ghats and the State’s wildlife sanctuaries. 

In Goa, too, trekkers should be aware that getting lost in the jungles of the Western Ghats is not a very good experience, and not so in the monsoon season.

The Western Ghats have thick vegetation that can limit visibility and make navigation difficult, also not forgetting the dangers of encountering wild animals. 

In the monsoon season, slippery cliffs are a major hazard when trekking to waterfalls. Also wet rocks can cause one to slip and fall, potentially leading to serious injuries. And at the waterfalls strong currents near the base of the falls can sweep you away if you lose your balance.  

Says naturalist and birder Parag Rangnekar, “Safety is the biggest factor, especially near the waterbodies and cliffs. Also, having a good trusted local guide with you is paramount to avoid getting lost in the forest. The forest guides know where to walk in the wild to avoid any conflict with wild animals.”   

The number of registered guides in Goa are limited and even these have no proper training. Besides having knowledge of the trail, a local guide has to be well versed in handling accidents, rescue, first aid and emergency response.

Ideally, local guides should undergo training programmes that cover jungle navigation, risk assessment, first aid, emergency response, and jungle ecology, says Joseph Barreto, who runs two eco-stays in Dharbandora, Goa’s last taluka which is surrounded by the Western Ghats.

He argues, “There is a deep-seated desire for human beings to connect with nature. No one can stop them from venturing into the wild. However, it's important to remember that a ‘tryst with nature’ should be approached with respect and caution.”

Barreto has been continuously advocating for well-trained guides to lead people inside Goa's forests for trekking. “Trained guides can make the trek a much more enjoyable experience. They can share their knowledge of the local flora and fauna, point out interesting things to see, and help trekkers connect with the natural environment in a deeper way,” he observes.

By learning from the Uttarakhand tragedy, Goa can implement measures to make trekking a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone. Trekkers, tour operators, and the tourism department all have a role to play in prioritising safety while preserving the beauty of Goa's natural landscapes.