Pune: Trekking associations and enthusiasts as well as mountaineering organisations have hailed Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement during her budget speech on Feb 1 that India has the potential and opportunity to offer world-class trekking and hiking experiences. Ecologically sustainable mountain trails in select Himalayan regions and important trekking destinations in the Eastern and Western Ghats would be developed, she said.The trekking and adventure tourism community sees the move as a significant step towards bringing adventure tourism into the mainstream framework. They believe that structured infrastructure, safety protocols and ecological safeguards are essential to unlock the sector’s true potential.Veteran mountaineer Umesh Zirpe told TOI that the policy intent was encouraging, even though Maharashtra was not mentioned specifically.Zirpe said, “What is crucial is that trekking and hiking have been recognised as a tourism sector with enormous potential. Once the development begins in other states, Maharashtra will benefit from a similar infrastructure — which is the need of the hour.”The move reflected the govt’s growing realisation that trekking and mountaineering can bring prosperity to remote and hilly regions, he said, adding: “The sector has the capacity to generate employment, support local communities and attract foreign tourists. International trekkers are deeply drawn to India’s forests, mountain landscapes and diverse trekking routes. With the right infrastructure and ecological safeguards, trekking tourism can become a major source of foreign exchange.“Experts said the success of the initiative depended on balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection, capacity control and community participation — especially in ecologically sensitive mountain regions.Sagar Darekar, who runs an adventure club in the Sahyadri hills, said, “It is essential to see how the govt acts on the decision. It will define the actual progress. If nothing happens, then the announcement is limited.”Experts said another aspect is that they need to work in tandem with the forest department. “Most such regions come under the forest department. Work should be integrated,” said Ashish Mane, who runs a trekking organisation.
