(1) In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, -
(a) "Act" means the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882 (Tamil Nadu Act V of 1882) or the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Central Act 53 of 1972);
(b) "Competent Authority" means District Forest Officer or Wildlife Warden or Deputy Director of the respective forest or wildlife area;
(c) "Forests" means the forest area, which includes reserved forests and reserved lands declared under the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882 (Tamil Nadu Act V of 1882);
(d) "Form" means a Form appended to these rules;
(e) "Group Leader" means a member of the trekking group, identified as Leader by the group members;
(f) "Guide" means willing and interested person, empanelled by the competent authority from amongst the local villagers including tribals and members of Eco tourism Management Committee, who accompanies the trekking group;
(g) "Public Highway" means National Highway, State Highway, District roads and Panchayat roads;
(h) "Right of way" means right of way as determined under the Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882 (Tamil Nadu Act V of 1882);
(i) "Trekking" means a form of walking undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery in natural areas; but does not include walking on a trek route on pilgrimage to a religious place during the dates specified by the Competent Authority.
(j) "Trek route" means linear path or route as identified by the District Forest Officer or the Wildlife Warden or the Deputy Director and notified by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests as Easy, Moderate or Tough depending on the difficulty level;
(k) "Wildlife area" means a protected area declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Central Act 53 of 1972);
(2) The words and expressions used but not defined in the rules shall have the same meaning as defined in the Act.