Kangra sports panel issues new guidelines for paragliding operators

In an effort to ensure safe and risk-free paragliding experiences for tourists in the Kangra valley, the Kangra Aero Sports Regulatory Committee (ASRC) has issued new safety guidelines for paragliding operators. The move comes in response to the growing number of paragliding mishaps, including fatal accidents. The committee has vowed to take strict action against violators of the safety rules, including heavy fines and the potential annulment of paragliding licenses.

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During a recent meeting chaired by the Kangra deputy commissioner Hem Raj Bhirwa, it was highlighted that the state government plans to position Kangra district as the tourism capital of the state. As paragliding is a key part of adventure tourism, ensuring the safety of both tourists and pilots remains a top priority for the district’s ASRC. With paragliding attracting tourists from around the world, the committee emphasised that the safety protocols related to its operation cannot be compromised.

The new safety guidelines mandate paragliding operators to adhere strictly to flight schedules and refrain from flying during bad weather conditions, which have been a major cause of accidents. The ASRC also set a limit on the number of flights a pilot can undertake. To further improve safety, the ASRC has deployed marshals at all paragliding sites in the district. These marshals will now be tasked not only with monitoring accidents but also with overseeing paragliding activities to ensure compliance with safety norms.

The Kangra DC, who serves as the chairman of the ASRC, announced that, in addition to the district-level regulatory committee, local committees would be formed at key paragliding sites such as Bir-Billing, with SDMs (Sub-Divisional Magistrates) appointed to oversee adherence to the safety protocols.

Moreover, the committee has directed officials to determine both minimum and maximum fare rates for paragliding flights and compile data regarding the liabilities of paragliding operators under the Special Area Development Authority (SADA). Outstanding dues from operators are also being pursued.

Suggestions from representatives of paragliding associations are being solicited to improve the facilities at paragliding sites in the district and their concerns are being actively addressed. It is worth noting that some paragliding operators, driven by profit motives, have flouted safety norms at Bir-Billing, one of the world’s premier aero-sport destinations. They have been found to engage in flying activities during bad weather, low visibility and even late in the evening, endangering the lives of tourists. The lack of adequate safety and rescue measures has raised serious concerns about the viability of adventure sports in the area. Over the past five years, there have been 30 paragliding accidents, resulting in the tragic loss of 14 pilots’ lives. This underlines the urgent need for strict enforcement of safety regulations in the region.