Rising paragliding mishaps in Bir-Billing, Kullu may affect tourism industry

Our Correspondent

Palampur, February 13

Rise in fatal mishaps during paragliding at Bir-Billing and Kullu district has raised a question mark over the safety and security of tourists visiting the state, who fell in the hands of untrained pilots.

An unfortunate incident has been reported from Kullu recently in which a 27-year-old tourist from Telangana died during tandem paragliding. Her glider crash-landed on a house near Kullu. Earlier, a tourist from Mohali was killed when an untrained pilot failed to land safely in Kullu. The failure of the state government to put in place a safety mechanism has made paragliding a risky affair not only in Billing, but in other such spots across the state.

In the past five years, 20 persons, including six tourists, have lost their lives in different paragliding mishaps in Bir-Billing, but no follow-up action has been taken and untrained pilots are again allowed to fly. The state government has also failed to suspend licences of such pilots.

Information gathered by The Tribune revealed that most pilots involved in the accidents in recent years lacked experience and had incomplete documents. The failure on part of the state agencies to check their equipment and licenses, their flying hours has made the matter worse. Besides, there are reports saying pilots fleece tourists in violation of rules. Many pilots lack dual insurance cover which has been made mandatory by the state government.

Naveen Sareen, who was first to introduce paragliding in Billing in 1990 said, flying in high-altitude areas such as the Dhauladhar hills and the Kullu valley without the required experience could be dangerous. Most mishaps occurred as pilots lacked topographical knowledge.

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