As hikes can promote the spirit of adventure – a spirit much needed in China – the government should foot the bill for rescuing hikers in danger, though such adventures should be organized and planned, said a commentator.
The comments follow a Labor Day hike that went wrong when a group was engulfed by a snowstorm near the northwestern city of Baoji and more than 30 hikers went missing. All have now been found, but three died and two were injured, reported Huaxi Metropolis Daily on May 5.
People have been debating whether the cost of the government’s rescue effort should be fully covered by public funds, by hikers themselves or shared by both, wrote Liu Changsong, a commentator, at Southern Metropolis Daily.
Most people hold that hikers themselves should pay the bill, because they choose undeveloped routes and thus are aware of the risks involved. The expenses incurred by their risk-ridden adventures should be paid for by the hikers. To prevent similar acts, they should even be punished with fines, some have said.
Others say that the costs should be shared by hikers and the public. Whatever kind of danger a citizen runs into, the government is obliged to rescue him/her, since the citizen, as a tax payer, has already paid for this public service. The service is not unlimited, though. Any extra expenses should be paid for by hikers.
Liu, however, believes public money should cover the entire cost. Organizing a rescue is part of the government’s public service. Like in the case of claims settlements, every citizen, as a taxpayer, has contributed to the public rescue services. While only a small fraction of citizens might use it, every citizen is a potential user.
A more deep-seated reason, according to Liu, is that a nation cannot live without a spirit of adventure. There aren't enough organized, autonomous expeditions or adventures arranged by Chinese citizens. China should encourage such adventurers, and the country’s public coffers are perfectly capable of covering the rare rescue events.
Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean citizens can put their lives at risk. Such activities should be organized and planned. Organizers of even one-off hiking events should have certain qualifications, and be put on record. The government should develop regulations and set up governing and training agencies.
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