Paragliding restarts at Solang

MC Thakur

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Manali, September 15

The ban on paragliding at the Solang Valley has been lifted. Now, hundreds of tourists visiting Kullu-Manali will be able to enjoy the adventure sport.

Restrictions are imposed every monsoon as dense fog and high-velocity winds make paragliding a risky affair. The Beas is also in spate around this time.

As the weather is pleasant, the ban has been lifted. District Tourism Development Officer Rattan Gautam said river rafting in the Beas was banned under the River Rafting Act-2005, while paragliding at the Solang valley was prohibited under the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2004. The steps are taken for the safety of tourists. The weather between July 15 and September 15 remains unfavorable for these sports.

He said a district-level regulatory committee has fixed the rates for paragliding at the Solang Nullah and Marhi, adding that the Paragliding Association should display tariff lists at various places in Solang and Marhi to facilitate the visitors.

To promote eco-friendly tourism in the region, the association has been asked to keep the identified sites clean. It has been told to use dustbins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes at the take-off and landing points.

Pleasant weather

As the weather is pleasant, the ban has been lifted. District Tourism Development Officer Rattan Gautam said river rafting in the Beas was banned under the River Rafting Act-2005, while paragliding at the Solang valley was prohibited under the Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2004.