Dehradun, June 23
Times are changing, and so are women. You need not be surprised if you spot a solitary trekker or a boisterous all- women group manoeuvring the steep climb. They trekkers such an exercise enhances their feeling of self-worth.

In Uttarakhand, local tour operators are going all hog to attract discerning women travellers, offering them alluring packages.

The urge to get away from the antiseptic environs of the hotel room was what prompted Prerna Sharma to explore the countryside. This brought her to the Garhwal hills.

“I could have opted to relax in my hotel room and enjoy the services, but when opportunity came my way to trek up to Lata village in Chamoli, I was only too glad,” said Prerna, whose plan to go up to Kwari Pass was foiled by unexpected snowfall.

Similarly, a women’s group took a trip to Sanakari and Osla villages on their way to Har Ki Dun in Uttarkashi. “For miles and miles, there was no sign of habitation.

“We passed through breath-taking meadows and corn farms. I will cherish these moments for ever,” said Gauri the youngest member in the group.

Said Sunil Kainthola of Mountain Shepherd, a tour and trekking company that arranged for Prerna’s excursion: “We believe that women are more than capable of taking such trips and why not? Most are independent and keen to explore.

“What we offered Prerna was an experience in hassle-free travel. I’m sure next time she will be able to manage on her own.”

Locals are being employed by trekking companies. Rather than working for unscrupulous tour operators, they prefer local companies.

It was in 2006 that the company first organised a trek to Nanda Devi for women mountaineers. The mountaineers came from the US, Canada and Taiwan.

“It was an invigorating experience as we were able to experience how tourism could be used to support lives and livelihood of local people,” said Claudia, a member from Canada. Nanda Devi Park was created in 1988 and in 2003 fringe areas were opened for 500 trekkers each year. As trekking trips demandphysical fitness and endurance, the initial pleasure begins to pall as one begins to trek further up the hills.

It is here that the guides come useful. “Along with exhilaration there is a sense of vulnerability that becomes overpowering with fatigue setting in, but professional guides help you see through tough times.

“ That you are in safe hands in the end is the only consolation that works for both men and women,” said Prerna Raturi, a keen trekker. 

Dehradun, June 23
Dry spell has yet again fuelled forest fires even as 22 of such incidents have taken place in various forest divisions of the state in past six days engulfing 61 hectares of land. Nine of these incidents took place on Monday.

With monsoon nowhere in sight, the forest fires that have doused with intermittent rains are yet up again in the flames and with the soaring temperatures fire is likely to aggravate further.

From the start of fire season this year (Feb 15) till date, the state has witnessed as many as 1,526 incidents of forest fires encompassing an area to the tune of 3,783.4 hectares of forestland.

Apart from forest divisions, even protected areas like Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park and Nandadevi biosphere have been affected due to the fires. The forest officials do not rule out tough days ahead if the temperatures continue to rise steadily and if there is no rain at the earliest.

According to the chief environment officer Uttarkhand AR Sinha, who is entrusted with monitoring and remedial action for forest fires in the state, said taking into account the rising temperature and possibility of increase in frequency of forest fires, the forest officials are constantly monitoring the situation.

Forest fire season this year has already resulted in several deaths with the incident in the VanPanchayat forests in Pauri Garhwal being the most gory where five villagers were charred to death while they were extinguishing the fire.