New software that keeps trekkers data delayed

Lack of coordination between Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board has delayed the launch of much-awaited software that helps in managing data of trekkers at all trekking routes across the country for their security and rescue operation if needed.

The new software manages the data of trekkers automatically in Trekking Information Management System (TIMS). Presently Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) are managing the data in TIMS manually, it said.

“The association has prepared a software to manage the TIMS data but NTB has not shown its interest to bring the software into operation,” said chief executive officer of the association, Ganga Sagar Pant. According to him, TAAN has already investment one million rupees for the development of TIMS software. “We were all set to introduce the software in January this year, but NTB seems to be hesitant over the introduction of new technology,” said Pant.

However, director of NTB, Aditya Baral, said that being a government body, it also needs to check the accountability and liability part of the software.

“It only has been three months since TAAN has approached us for starting the TIMS software and being a government body we are checking if it works as per the government rules and regulations,” Baral said.

“Approval of the software will take time,” Baral added. The provision of Trekkers’ Information Management System came into effect on January 1, 2008. Since then, TAAN and NTB started recording trekkers’ details and began issuing TIMS Card to trekkers.

However, with experiences regarding the difficulties to carry out rescue operations during times of accidents and natural calamities, TAAN approached the NTB with a TIMS software proposal. TAAN claims that the software will ensure the security of tourists, while they are on treks. It will also help monitor illegal trekking.

A trekker has to fill up a form with all the personal details and programmes throughout the stay, which will be recorded in the TIMS software. If a trekker goes missing, the software can easily trace their whereabouts. The software will also be useful for trekkers as they can also book the TIMS card in advance by filling up a form available on the TIMS website. TIMS cards are collected by both Free Individual Trekkers (FITs) and trekkers taking the service through government authorised trekking agencies.

NTB and TAAN signed a MoU on March 18, 2010 to implement TIMS system in a new format from April 1, 2010. FITs need to have green TIMS cards by paying Nepali currency equivalent to $ 20 per person, while those travelling in groups need to have blue TIMS card by paying $ 10 per person.

source: the himalayan times,29 July 2013