As travellers, we love a good hike, trek, or adventure sports. Don't we? Have you ever thought about the risk element in all these activities, what happens if something goes wrong during it?
These activities do not come with insurance in India, and if something does go wrong, the maximum travellers are provided with compensation either from the state's relief fund or the forest department.
However, in a major change recently, you do not have to worry anymore if you are going on a trek in Skandagiri, a wildlife safari in Kabini or river rafting in Dandeli, or any other activities in Karnataka.
To ensure the safety of every tourist, there is an order issued by the additional principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife), Kumar Pushkar, on behalf of PCCF (Wildlife) on June 21, Karnataka's forest department field officers have been directed to provide insurance cover to visitors at eco-tourism sites in protected areas across the state.
What does the order state?
The order said, “It is directed to take necessary measures to provide insurance cover to tourists arriving for eco-tourism activities in protected areas of the state as per the model followed by Jungle lodges and Resorts.”
We want to extend a similar benefit to general travellers who may visit these destinations without booking through JLR or by directly buying tickets to take part in adventure activities. The insurance cost will be adjusted with the gate fee that we collect at these sites. We'll collaborate with insurance agencies and provide insurance coverage to travellers," said Kumar Pushkar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife).
The department must impose a condition that the insurance coverage will be only for those who have taken tickets for entry to these sites, and could exclude liability for damage to property or loss of valuables of the visitors as per him.
This direction comes amid a similar proposal submitted to the forest department by wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni.
What was the proposal submitted by Mr Kulkarni?
In January 2023, Kulkarni wrote the forest department stating, “The State’s Eco-Tourism sites majorly offer activities like trekking, kayaking, jet ski, birding, banana ride, bump ride, dolphin ride, safari, zip-ride, boat ride, rafting, a visit to falls/elephant camps including the proposed ropeway. These activities are run either by the Karnataka Forest Department and/or by Jungle Lodges/ Karnataka Eco Tourism Development Board.
However, many of the activities carry a risk for tourists e.g., wild animal attacks, drowning, etc. which may result in accidental deaths and permanent/partial disabilities. In fact, incidents like the Thekkady boat disaster that happened in 2009 within the limits of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala underline the importance of the safety of visitors at Eco Tourism Sites.”
He highlighted that the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2020-26 strives to create a sustainable tourism ecosystem in Karnataka and lays emphasis on providing a safe and high-quality experience for tourists.
As per him, The Jungle Lodges and Resorts have a similar scheme running and the Kerala Forest Department too has been providing insurance coverage for visitors of ecotourism sites.
The initiative if can enter an agreement with Insurance Company (s) to provide insurance coverage for Tourists in case of accidental deaths, or permanent/partial disabilities if an incident happens in Eco-Tourism sites would boost the State’s tourist/ Forest Departments friendly image and increase confidence among travellers. "The insurance contract may exclude losses caused by communicable diseases or pandemic,” the letter read.
In May this year, Mr. Kulkarni again wrote to the senior officials of the forest department, informing them that Jungle Lodges and Resorts in Karnataka and Kerala Forest Department have been providing insurance coverage for visitors as per reports.
Karnataka features some of the best-maintained tiger reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offering various adventure activities, attracting thousands of tourists yearly.
Planning to visit Karnataka soon? Do not miss out on our Guide to help you explore the best of the state.
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