<p>Mumbai: In the wake of increase in accidents during monsoon treks in the Sahyadris ranges, the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM), the apex mountaineering body of the state, has come out with a set of do's and don’ts to make the adventure a worth-remembering experience. </p><p>With the arrival of monsoon, the Sahyadri mountain ranges of Western Ghats transform into a lush green paradise. Streams, rivulets, and waterfalls overflow with water, enhancing the natural beauty of the region. As a result, many tourist destinations witness a significant influx of visitors eager to enjoy nature’s splendor.</p><p>"There has been a noticeable rise in accidents during monsoon treks in the Sahyadris. Many individuals attempt to take selfies at dangerous spots like cliffs, fort bastions, and slippery edges. Others venture under gushing waterfalls or explore unfamiliar and remote locations, often resulting in serious accidents or fatalities,” veteran adventure expert and AMGM president Umesh Zirpe said on Monday. </p><p>“While the monsoon brings out the mesmerising beauty of the Sahyadris, the joy of seeing a waterfall is best enjoyed from a safe distance. Slippery trails, landslide-prone zones, fog-covered paths, and strong currents of streams and waterfalls should be strictly avoided. To enjoy monsoon adventures to the fullest, without inviting danger, one must act wisely and cautiously,” he said. </p>.One dead, two injured after being hit by debris on Kedarnath trek route, pilgrimage temporarily suspended .<p>According to him, it is important to exercise extreme caution while exploring the wilderness during the monsoon. </p><p>“Trails in the Sahyadris become slippery due to rainfall; dense fog and overgrown grass often lead to disorientation; heavy rain on the hilltops causes streams and waterfalls to swell rapidly, and sudden cloudbursts can result in flash floods. There is also the risk of landslides and falling rocks, especially around fort walls and steep cliffs. Therefore, monsoon treks and adventures must be undertaken with utmost care and preparedness,” said Zirpe, an expedition leader and Everester. </p><p>“While the Sahyadris offer countless opportunities for adventure, one should avoid taking unnecessary risks. It is strongly advised not to venture alone, regardless of the season. Numerous trekking groups and organizations have been offering selfless rescue services across the Sahyadris. </p><p>“Yet, it is heartbreaking for these rescuers to retrieve individuals injured or deceased due to reckless adventure. Organizations such as the Guardian Giripremi Institute of Mountaineering and the Maharashtra Mountaineers Rescue Coordination Center, operated by the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh, coordinate rescue operations across the state,” he said. </p><p>“Hundreds of trained mountaineers volunteer their services as a social responsibility, often risking their own lives in the process. While it is indeed worth experiencing this breathtaking natural beauty, it must be done with a sense of responsibility — towards both personal safety and nature,” he added. </p>
<p>Mumbai: In the wake of increase in accidents during monsoon treks in the Sahyadris ranges, the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh (AMGM), the apex mountaineering body of the state, has come out with a set of do's and don’ts to make the adventure a worth-remembering experience. </p><p>With the arrival of monsoon, the Sahyadri mountain ranges of Western Ghats transform into a lush green paradise. Streams, rivulets, and waterfalls overflow with water, enhancing the natural beauty of the region. As a result, many tourist destinations witness a significant influx of visitors eager to enjoy nature’s splendor.</p><p>"There has been a noticeable rise in accidents during monsoon treks in the Sahyadris. Many individuals attempt to take selfies at dangerous spots like cliffs, fort bastions, and slippery edges. Others venture under gushing waterfalls or explore unfamiliar and remote locations, often resulting in serious accidents or fatalities,” veteran adventure expert and AMGM president Umesh Zirpe said on Monday. </p><p>“While the monsoon brings out the mesmerising beauty of the Sahyadris, the joy of seeing a waterfall is best enjoyed from a safe distance. Slippery trails, landslide-prone zones, fog-covered paths, and strong currents of streams and waterfalls should be strictly avoided. To enjoy monsoon adventures to the fullest, without inviting danger, one must act wisely and cautiously,” he said. </p>.One dead, two injured after being hit by debris on Kedarnath trek route, pilgrimage temporarily suspended .<p>According to him, it is important to exercise extreme caution while exploring the wilderness during the monsoon. </p><p>“Trails in the Sahyadris become slippery due to rainfall; dense fog and overgrown grass often lead to disorientation; heavy rain on the hilltops causes streams and waterfalls to swell rapidly, and sudden cloudbursts can result in flash floods. There is also the risk of landslides and falling rocks, especially around fort walls and steep cliffs. Therefore, monsoon treks and adventures must be undertaken with utmost care and preparedness,” said Zirpe, an expedition leader and Everester. </p><p>“While the Sahyadris offer countless opportunities for adventure, one should avoid taking unnecessary risks. It is strongly advised not to venture alone, regardless of the season. Numerous trekking groups and organizations have been offering selfless rescue services across the Sahyadris. </p><p>“Yet, it is heartbreaking for these rescuers to retrieve individuals injured or deceased due to reckless adventure. Organizations such as the Guardian Giripremi Institute of Mountaineering and the Maharashtra Mountaineers Rescue Coordination Center, operated by the Akhil Maharashtra Giryarohan Mahasangh, coordinate rescue operations across the state,” he said. </p><p>“Hundreds of trained mountaineers volunteer their services as a social responsibility, often risking their own lives in the process. While it is indeed worth experiencing this breathtaking natural beauty, it must be done with a sense of responsibility — towards both personal safety and nature,” he added. </p>