Illegal structures in Bir-Billing a threat to paragliders
The scenic beauty and global recognition of Bir-Billing, one of the world’s top paragliding destinations, are under threat due to rampant and unregulated construction activities. Despite the government’s recent inclusion of six more panchayats under the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, illegal and haphazard developments continue unabated, posing serious challenges to the area’s sustainability and safety.
Experts and residents fear that if immediate action is not taken, Bir-Billing could lose its charm, with shrinking open spaces jeopardising its reputation as a premier tourist spot. Paragliders may soon face difficulties landing safely, while tourists might struggle with overcrowded and poorly managed infrastructure.
Chaos & mismanagement
The narrow roads leading to the Billing take-off point and the Bir landing site are plagued by frequent traffic jams, especially on weekends. Poor traffic management and the absence of proper parking facilities exacerbate the situation, with vehicles parked haphazardly along the roadside, inconveniencing visitors.
The Special Area Development Authority (SADA), established to regulate and plan construction activities, has failed to control the unchecked growth. Sources reveal that numerous building plans are delayed due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and red tape, despite provisions for online submission and time-bound approvals. Residents of adjoining villages, who rely on timely clearance of building plans, have been disproportionately affected by the inefficiencies of the TCP.
Safety concerns
Unregulated construction near the landing and take-off sites has raised serious safety concerns for paragliders. A senior flyer expressed concerns about the increasing risks posed by buildings near these sites. He stated, “Wind does not always flow from one direction, and flyers are forced to land from varying angles. Buildings surrounding the sites make landings hazardous.”
Bir-Billing, which recently hosted an international paragliding championship with over 250 participants, has also been the venue for the World Cup and pre-World Cup events in recent years. However, the deteriorating infrastructure threatens the area’s potential to continue hosting such prestigious events.
Tourists visiting Bir-Billing have criticised the lack of basic amenities, including proper washrooms at Bir, Billing, Chogan, and Tibetan Colony. Despite imposing taxes like green tax and pilot fee, SADA has failed to improve facilities for visitors.
Locals and tourists alike are urging the government to take immediate and effective action to prevent further damage to the area’s appeal and ensure that Bir-Billing retains its status as a world-class paragliding destination.
