KATHMANDU: The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) has said arrangement of Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card should be made mandatory for the foreign tourists going on trekking so that impact of natural risks to them could be minimized.

Issuing a press release on Thursday, TAAN General-Secretary Sonam Gyalzen Sherpa urged the government that it made the mandatory arrangement of TIMS card in case of foreign tourists and sufficient information to the domestic tourists for trekking as well.

Problems have surfaced to identify destinations and location of foreign trekkers and their helpers, conduct search and rescue operation in lack of full implementation of TIMS card launched for the safety of trekkers and their helpers, reads the statement.

TAAN President Sagar Pandey mentioned that even the domestic trekkers were losing their lives due to disaster and altitude sickness. It is triggered by the inadequate preparedness and trekking guidance.

Extending tribute to climbers, trekkers and guides who lost their lives in the Manaslu and Rolwaling areas due to heavy rainfall and snowfall, TAAN wished speedy recovery to the injured persons as well as safe return of those missing in the disaster.