Sandakphu, West Bengal’s highest peak at 11,930 feet above sea level, witnessed the third tourist death this year on Wednesday, prompting the state government to make it mandatory for tourists to submit health certificates with specific medical parameters before visiting the popular destination.
Ankita Bose, from north Kolkata, died during her journey to the state's highest point. The tragedy has raised concerns about the lack of adequate medical infrastructure in the area and the tendency of some tourists to rush to the peak without proper acclimatisation.
Ankita began experiencing respiratory problems at Tumling, 20 km from the summit, at a trekkers' hut, where she passed away.
An Israeli tourist also died in 2021 in the same region while trekking.
In light of previous fatalities, the Darjeeling district administration has decided to monitor tourists’ fitness before they embark on their Sandakphu journey.
The local administration will soon issue guidelines requiring tourists to submit recent medical certificates before beginning the trek.
"We will soon issue a guideline asking tourists heading to Sandakphu to provide a recent medical certificate issued by a doctor. The certificate will need to include details of health parameters such as cardiac issues, high blood pressure, and diabetes," said Richard Lepcha, Sub-Divisional Officer of Darjeeling (Sadar).
Lepcha added, however, that the exact date for when the medical certificate will be mandatory has yet to be finalised.
Earlier this year, a 70-year-old man from Kolkata's Bhowanipore experienced breathing difficulties while visiting Sandakphu in May.
He was taken to a health centre 17 km from the peak, but doctors declared him dead. A month later, a man in his early 40s from North Dinajpur district, with a similar health issue, also died. In 2022, an Israeli tourist suffered a cardiac arrest while trekking from Manebhanjan to Sandakphu, an 11 km stretch.
"Tourists need to acclimatise to the altitude. For those with severe health conditions, the change in altitude can be fatal," said Lepcha.
When asked about the validity of the medical certificates, Lepcha said, "We will require certificates that are no older than two months. If anyone is unable to provide the necessary certificate, we may direct them to the nearby state-run healthcare facilities to obtain one."
Follow us
