Will conduct random drug tests on paragliding pilots, says Kullu DC

Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh today said testing kits had arrived and random drug tests on paragliding pilots would be conducted.

While presiding over the meeting of the technical committee, she suggested installing CCTV cameras at paragliding sites so that the activities can be monitored properly.

The DC said surprise inspections should be carried out to curb the pilots conducting paragliding without a valid licence and all members should immediately complain if the rules were being violated. She added that the police should also inspect the paragliding sites once or twice a week. She said, “A single counter will be arranged for booking tickets at various sites so that tourists can get convenience and its regulation can also be done in a better way.”

The officer said a proposal would be sent to the government to provide powers of confiscation, licence suspension and imposing heavy fines so that strict compliance of the rules could be ensured. The DC added, “The Tourism Department should also be given inspection targets and a format for inspection should also be prepared.”

Kullu District Tourism Development Officer Sunayna Sharma, DSP Rajesh Thakur and other officials were also present in the meeting.

The adventure sport of commercial tandem flying here has witnessed a huge surge in recent years and the number of accidents has also reduced considerably after strict compliances are ensured by the tourism department.

The technical committee regularly monitors and regulates paragliding activities. Besides, the Tourism Department has formed the District Aero Sports Club of several paragliding associations to regulate paragliding. The paragliding sites are frequently inspected by the Paragliding and River Rafting District Level Monitoring Committee as well.