Bir-Billing takes a break: Paragliding ban from July 15 to September 15

There will be a complete ban on paragliding activities in Bir-Billing during the monsoon period from July 15 to September 15 in the Kangra valley. The decision has been taken in view of the safety of tourists and local pilots. On an average, 300 solo and tandem flights take off from Billing daily. Hundreds of tourists reach Bir-Billing every day to enjoy adventure sports.

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Official sources said the ban had been imposed to avoid paragliding mishaps, which could occur due to inclement weather during the monsoon season. Bir-Billing is one of the top paragliding sites of the world. The ban will be applicable on tandem as well as solo flights. The administration has directed all paragliding associations and individuals to withdraw their pilots from Bir-Billing on July 15. The ban is imposed every monsoon.

A spokesman of Bir-Billing Paragliding Association told The Tribune, “Over 5,000 persons are directly or indirectly associated with tourism and paragliding in the valley. Over 250 local and foreign pilots are engaged in the adventure sport. Nearly 100 taxis in Bir-Billing will be also halt operations during this period.” Besides, there would be no business for hotels and roadside eateries during the period.

Located away from the hustle and bustle of city life and other tourist destinations, Bir-Billing is also a noted centre for eco-tourism, meditation and spiritual studies. At 8,000 feet, Billing, the take-off point, is nestled in the meadows, 14 km north of Bir. The latter is the landing site situated at 4,500 ft above sea level.