Forest Department denies entry to women at Agastya peak

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Forest Department is denying permission to women to visit Agasthyarkoodam (Agastya peak) in Thiruvananthapuram district during the current season as part of its trekking programme.

The announcement made by the Department states that women, besides children below 14 years of age, could not apply for trekking. Activists point out that this was in violation of equality under the Constitution.

The trekking is being organised through the eco-development committees under the Department. Groups of 15 men each will be sent to the peak on a two days’ journey under the supervision of a guide from the picketing station of the Department at Bonaccord.

Trekking will be permitted from January 15 to March 7. Not more than 100 persons will be allowed to undertake the trek on any day.  Passes could be applied for online from January 11 through the Department Website www.forest.kerala.gov.in.Tickets rates vary from Rs. 30 to Rs. 50 depending on the size of the group.

Strict restrictions exist in permitting visitors to the peak which is in the core area of Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve following a High Court verdict. The peak is surrounded by wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and its environs harbour many endemic flora.