‘Safety gear, professional guide must for nature treks’

Thane: The tragic death of two trekkers in Matheran and Raigad areas on Saturday has triggered a sense of anxiety among amateur adventure sports enthusiasts. While Thane resident Harshad Bhole (19), died after being hit by a loose rock while trekking to Pebchya fort in Matheran, 28-year-old software engineer Ajay Pratap Singh Sikarwar, also died trekking Raigad fort.
Last year, too, a 23-year-old boy died while trekking Chanderi Hill in Badlapur. A group of 40 trekkers were also stranded in the same area in 2014. Mosoon is that part of the year when many nature trails are organised. But this is also a risky period as cases of landslides, loosening of rocks and slippery soil are more common.
“We love nature trails and have been participating in easy level ones. We have heard about how pretty the hills and waterfalls are during the monsoon. During this time a whole lot of activities are lined up during the weekends. But when you read about incidents like these, it gives you the jitters and also puts you off,” said Rehan Joshi, an Upvan resident.
Professional trekkers and cyclists who have been exploring the hills and waterfalls for decades urge nature lovers to take adequate precaution while going such trekks.
Amit Bhadoria, co-founder of Mumbai Rangers trekking group, said, “Trekkers must always travel along with an experienced group. These groups usually have medical personnel travelling with them. Secondly, trekkers must wear proper gear like trekking shoes, hunting knife, torch, climbing ropes, harnesses, etc. Lastly, every participant must have the contact number of villagers and other trekkers’ in case of an emergency.’’
Cycling groups advise new cyclists to wear protective gear while maneouvering their way through the narrow and wet lanes.
“During the monsoon, vision is affected due to fog. The roads are also slippery and nature trails. Cyclists need to have a proper mountain bike for such trails. They should also wear helmets, knee and elbow pads and carry their cycling tool kit. The most important thing is to wear raincoats with reflective stickers and have red taillights on the bike. It is advisable to go cycling only in groups,” said Anuj Phadke, a member of a city-based cycling group.
City based environmental NGOs who organise numerous such treks and trails during this season point out that including locals in their tour in one sure shot way of keeping safe.