Karnataka's Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced new Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for trekking, mandating that all trekkers must be accompanied by certified nature guides equipped with GPS-enabled walkie-talkies. This initiative, aimed at enhancing safety, follows incidents where trekkers went missing. Each guide will be responsible for a maximum of 10 trekkers, with a cap of 150 trekkers per batch. Online registration is now compulsory, ensuring that guides are available even for individual trekkers. The SOP outlines various safety protocols, including a briefing on local conditions and wildlife encounters before treks, and prohibits items like loud devices and sharp objects. Additionally, trekkers must carry a first aid kit, and minors are required to have consent letters from guardians. The new regulations will be integrated into the official website for advance booking of trekking tickets.