Paradise in peril: Bir-Billing’s paragliding haven struggles with growing waste crisis

A delay by the state government in constituting a municipal council at Bir-Billing has virtually turned one of Himachal Pradesh’s premier tourist destinations into a garbage dump. Once known for its pristine beauty and serenity, the world-famous paragliding site is now battling severe environmental degradation due to the absence of a proper waste management system.

The unchecked growth of hotels, restaurants, homestays and commercial establishments has compounded the garbage problem. Until recently, the Bir Hotel Association had been conducting door-to-door waste collection without any government aid. However, citing a lack of resources and mounting financial strain, the association has now discontinued the service — leaving streets, drains and even nearby forests strewn with plastic wrappers, bottles and liquor containers. The lone plastic shredding machine provided by the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) has remained out of order for months and despite repeated appeals, it has neither been repaired nor replaced.

For over a year, Bir-Billing has been grappling with a worsening garbage crisis, exposing the inefficiency of SADA, which was created by the state government to oversee the region’s development. Despite collecting green tax from tourists and fee from paragliding pilots, the authority has made little effort to address sanitation issues.

Residents allege that the district administration has failed to install a waste treatment plant or implement scientific waste management practices. Plastic waste is now being dumped into rivulets and forested areas, transforming the once-picturesque valley into a dumping ground.

Baijnath MLA Kishori Lal, when contacted by The Tribune, denied any delay on the government’s part in forming the municipal council. He said the state cabinet had cleared the proposal but, due to opposition from some residents, the notification was put on hold. He added that he personally supported the establishment of a council for Bir-Billing.

A local hotelier expressed frustration, saying, “SADA was created for development, but it has done nothing in five years. Bir-Billing is turning into a slum. Drains are clogged with plastic, roads are waterlogged and the stench is unbearable. Even after the rainy season, potholes remain unrepaired.”

Environmentalists have warned that if urgent action is not taken, unregulated construction and unchecked pollution will render the area unsuitable for paragliding. They reminded that the National Green Tribunal (NGT), as far back as 2018, had directed the state government to install a garbage treatment plant in Bir-Billing. Seven years later, that directive still lies ignored.