Following the deaths of two tourists within three weeks, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has introduced stringent safety measures for visitors travelling to Sandakphu, West Bengal’s highest peak, and the adjoining Phalut region. Under the new guidelines, tourists must produce a health fitness certificate before undertaking the high-altitude journey.

Situated at approximately 11,930 feet above sea level, Sandakphu attracts thousands of tourists and trekkers for its panoramic Himalayan views. However, recent fatalities linked to respiratory complications have raised concerns over the availability of medical facilities and emergency response mechanisms in the region.

The GTA Tourism Department has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), making health fitness certificates compulsory for both trekkers and tourists travelling by Land Rover to Sandakphu and Phalut.

Visitors without a valid fitness certificate must undergo a mandatory medical examination at the Manebhanjan sub-health centre before beginning their journey. Those found medically unfit will not be permitted to proceed to higher altitudes under any circumstances.

Dawa Galpo Sherpa, Field Director of the GTA Tourism Department, said the guidelines were introduced to safeguard tourists against health risks associated with high-altitude travel. He also warned that agencies violating the directives could face legal action.

Strict instructions for tour operators and guides

Under the SOP, trekking agencies, tour operators, guides, porters and members of the Singalila Land Rover Association have been directed to closely monitor the physical condition of tourists throughout their journey.

Anyone experiencing severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathing difficulties, confusion or difficulty walking must immediately discontinue the ascent. The affected tourist must be brought down to a lower altitude as quickly as possible and provided with emergency medical assistance.

Tour operators have also been instructed to educate visitors about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), the importance of adequate hydration and the physical demands of high-altitude travel.

Additionally, Land Rover drivers and guides operating along the approximately 32-km route from Manebhanjan must carry first-aid kits and emergency contact numbers.

Tourism industry demands permanent medical facilities

While welcoming the administration’s decision, tourism stakeholders have emphasised that mandatory health screening alone may not be sufficient to prevent fatalities without adequate medical infrastructure in the hills.

Chandan Pradhan, secretary of the Singalila Land Rover Owners’ Welfare Association, said the demand for a permanent health centre at Sandakphu or between Tonglu and Tumling has remained unfulfilled for years.

He pointed out that approximately 35 vehicles carry tourists from Manebhanjan towards Sandakphu every day, highlighting the need for accessible healthcare facilities along the route.

Tanmoy Goswami, general secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality and Tourism Development Network, also urged the authorities to deploy ambulances at strategic locations such as Tonglu, Tumling or Chitrey.

He stressed that the availability of emergency transport would help ensure that tourists suffering from sudden medical complications could be shifted to hospitals without delay.

Two tourist deaths prompted safety crackdown

The GTA’s decision follows two deaths reported in the Sandakphu-Tumling region within less than a month.

On September 30, Priyotosh Adhikari, 27, a resident of Tufanganj in Cooch Behar district, died after developing respiratory distress while trekking near Sandakphu.

Less than three weeks later, on October 20, Bubai Pal, 48, a resident of Barasat in North 24 Parganas district, died in Tumling following respiratory complications.

The incidents raised serious concerns about the risks of high-altitude tourism, particularly for visitors who may be unaware of underlying health conditions or the symptoms of altitude sickness.

With the new SOP in place, the GTA has sought to strengthen preventive healthcare measures and make tour operators more accountable for tourist safety.

However, tourism representatives maintain that establishing permanent medical centres, ensuring ambulance availability and improving emergency evacuation facilities are equally essential.

The effectiveness of the new guidelines will depend not only on strict enforcement but also on coordinated efforts between the administration, healthcare authorities and tourism stakeholders to prevent further tragedies in one of West Bengal’s most popular mountain destinations.

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