HP must enforce its paragliding rules

HIMACHAL Pradesh making advanced safety training mandatory for tandem pilots is an overdue corrective, and it has come just in time for this year’s paragliding season that opened on September 16. Long celebrated as India’s paragliding capital, Himachal has in recent years witnessed a troubling rise in accidents. The Tribune reports cite nearly 30 paragliding deaths in six years, concentrated in hubs like Bir-Billing and Manali. At least 14 pilot fatalities have been reported in five years, with some seasons seeing multiple mishaps within weeks. Stories of tourists and trained pilots meeting tragic ends erode confidence in what should be one of the state’s most celebrated attractions.

Several factors converge. Training and certification standards have been patchy, with many tandem pilots operating without rigorous emergency preparation. Oversight has lagged behind the rapid growth of operators who are eager to cash in on soaring demand. Equipment checks are inconsistent and the challenging Himalayan wind conditions demand higher skill levels than many pilots possess. The mandatory advanced manoeuvre training for pilots is thus a welcome step. It must be paired with visible enforcement: a central registry of certified operators and their regular audit, routine gear inspections, passenger insurance, awareness campaigns for tourists and strict weather cut-offs. Without these, rules risk becoming paperwork exercises.

At the same time, safety is equally the responsibility of the fliers and organisers. A cultural shift is needed where operators view safety checks not as bureaucratic hurdles but as non-negotiable responsibilities. For a state where adventure tourism contributes significantly to the economy, safety must be seen as investment, not expenditure. Himachal has set a precedent by acknowledging the problem; coordination with other hill states like Uttarakhand and Sikkim would ensure that our skies are safe for adventure sports.