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Bengaluru: Trekking to Kumaraparvatha near Kukke Subrahmanya has been temporarily banned due to the summer season and the risk of forest fires, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre informed the Legislative Assembly.

Responding during the Question Hour in the Assembly, the minister said trekking will resume only after the monsoon season. He added that the government will examine a proposal to allow trekking from 5.30 am once the activity restarts.

BJP MLA Bhagirathi Murulya, who raised the issue in the House, requested that trekkers be allowed to begin the climb from 5.30 am as was permitted earlier.

In response, Khandre said allowing large crowds at once could disturb the forest ecosystem. He said the number of trekkers has been restricted to 150 people per day and bookings will reopen only after the monsoon.

The minister also explained the duration required for different trekking routes in the area. The 14-km route from Bidalli to Kumaraparvatha and back to Bidalli usually takes six to seven hours. The 19-km route from Bidalli to Kumaraparvatha and then to Subrahmanya takes about 10 to 12 hours.

Similarly, the 20-km route from Subrahmanya to Sheshaparvatha and back to Subrahmanya takes around 12 hours. The minister said if trekkers reach Sheshaparvatha late, they may have to return after dark, which could be risky.

Khandre also clarified that trekkers are not allowed to stay overnight anywhere on the hill, including places such as Devaragadde and Girigadde.

He added that trekking is currently banned due to the possibility of forest fires during summer. As trekking is also difficult during the monsoon season, bookings will be opened only after the monsoon ends.