Paragliding suspended in Bir-Billing for safety overhaul

Bir-Billing, one of the world’s top 10 paragliding sites, has suspended all tandem flights for the next seven days following a rise in mishaps. Paragliding pilots unanimously decided to halt commercial flights to draft new rules and regulations ensuring safer operations.

Pilots gathered at the Chogan landing site to formulate a code of conduct for paragliding activities. A committee has been set up to finalise the regulations, after which tandem flights will resume. Meanwhile, only solo flights were observed in the sky today.

The surge in paragliding accidents at Bir-Billing and other locations in Himachal Pradesh has raised concerns about tourist safety and the credibility of the adventure sport. Many pilots emphasised that new guidelines will allow only two tandem flights per pilot per day to enhance safety. Additionally, tariffs will be standardised, and untrained pilots without proper documentation will be barred from flying until their credentials are verified.

The absence of a state safety mechanism has made paragliding increasingly risky. Fatal accidents in Kullu, Dharamsala and Bhunter have put the Tourism Department under scrutiny. The failure of state agencies to inspect equipment and regulate operations has worsened the situation. Complaints of pilots overcharging tourists have also surfaced.

Naveen Sareen, who introduced paragliding in Billing in 1990, warned that flying in high-altitude areas like the Dhauladhar hills and Kullu valley without sufficient experience could be hazardous. With pilots taking the initiative to implement safety regulations, the suspension aims to restore confidence in Bir-Billing’s adventure tourism industry.