Tamil Nadu forest department’s trekking initiative draws large crowds

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Wilderness Experience Corporation (TNWEC), part of the state forest department, launched its first batch of treks on Friday, drawing a large number of nature enthusiasts across 17 locations statewide.

TNWEC director Vismiju Viswanathan reported overwhelming participation, with trekkers exploring three types of trails: easy, moderate, and tough.

Participants embarked on seven easy trails, six moderate routes, and four challenging paths, each guided by experienced leaders. All trekkers safely returned to the starting points after navigating the trails, he added.

However, the Baraliyar trek, which is an easy trail in Coimbatore forest division, faced a delay due to wild elephant movement along the designated path. This particular trek saw 14 participants, including five women.

MP Kavin Kumar from Erode, a first-time trekker, appreciated the department's preparations. "They provided us with a bag containing a cap, protein bar, and fruit juice. It was a well-organised experience," he said.

Nivedhitha Rajasekar, another participant, said that most trekkers in the Baraliyar group were from Erode. She welcomed the forest department's arrangements, including the efforts of senior forest officials who accompanied them. "The officials explained the area's biodiversity, wildlife management strategies, and conservation efforts.

A total of 124 trekking routes have been identified by the forest department, with 40 selected to launch the programme.

Trekking enthusiasts can register for upcoming treks by visiting the TNWEC website (www.trektamilnadu.com) for more details. Fees range from 599 to 5,099, depending on trek type and distance.

The treks cover forest trails spanning three to 18km, with durations ranging from approximately two to 10 hours.


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