Licences of 10 paraglider pilots in Billing suspended

Our Correspondent

Palampur, May 14

Baijnath SDM Vikas Shukla has suspended the licences of 10 paraglider pilots for risking the lives of tourists in Bir Billing.

The SDM had constituted a core committee to look into the complaints of illegal flying at Billing. On the report of the committee, the SDM has imposed ban on flying by these pilots.

Earlier, there was no check on illegal paragliding at Billing. In the past three months, a number of cases of illegal flying were reported to the police and the local administration.

Following news items carried in these columns a few days back regarding sharp increase in paragliding mishaps, the state government had ordered the verification of licences and other documents of 140 registered pilots with the Tourism Department. Surprisingly, no proper verification was made and all pilots, trained or untrained, were still flying.

However, the SDM said only experienced pilots with valid documents would be given permission to fly. He said if any one violated the directions, his licence would not only be cancelled but case would also be registered against him.