Bengaluru, Aug. 30 -- The Karnataka Forest Department has introduced a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate eco-trail and trekking activities across the State's forest divisions and to safeguard trekkers while preserving ecological integrity.

According to a press release, Karnataka's Western Ghats and forest regions host nearly 39 designated trekking routes. However, recent incidents in 2026, including a fatal leopard attack in Male Mahadeshwara Hills, a missing trekker rescue operation at Tadiandamol in Kodagu, and a critical incident at Bandaje Waterfalls in Chikkamagaluru, have underscored the inherent risks of deep-forest navigation, extreme weather, limited cellular connectivity, and active wildlife movement....