Forest Department issues health advisory for Velliangiri Hills climbers in light of recent fatalities

In response to recent fatalities, the Forest Department advises against climbing Velliangiri Hills for individuals with heart disease, respiratory issues, obesity, diabetes, the elderly, and those who have been  in intensive care due to COVID-19.


Coimbatore: The Forest Department has issued an advisory following a series of fatalities during climbs at the Velliangiri Hills in Coimbatore, outlining health conditions that should preclude individuals from participating in such activities.

In the last one and a half months, five devotees have lost their lives while ascending the Velliangiri Hills, located within the Coimbatore Forest Range in Poondi. 



As a measure to prevent further loss of life, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department has released guidelines specifying that individuals with heart disease, respiratory issues, obesity, diabetes, the elderly, and those who have been severely affected by COVID-19, especially those who were in intensive care, should avoid climbing the hills.

Furthermore, all devotees planning to visit Velliangiri Hills are advised to undergo a full medical check-up and are encouraged to travel in groups rather than alone. 



The advisory emphasizes the significant impact fatalities have on the families of the deceased and the challenges faced by the Forest Department in recovering individuals in distress from the mountain base.

"The loss of life during such pilgrimages not only affects the families of the deceased deeply but also poses severe challenges to the Forest Department in managing such emergencies," the advisory noted. 

The forest department urges the public to comply with the guidelines for the well-being of all climbers and to cooperate in preventing further tragedies.

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