Two decades on, basic facilities elude Ser Jagas paragliding site in Rajgarh

Despite being recognised among the world’s finest paragliding destinations, Ser Jagas in Rajgarh subdivision of Sirmaur district still awaits basic infrastructure even after more than two decades. Successive state governments — be it under the Congress or the BJP — have made announcements to develop the tabletop landing site, but promises never moved beyond official files.

The Tourism and Civil Aviation Departments had acknowledged the unique advantage of the Ser Jagas site, which offers both ideal take-off and landing conditions at the same location — a rare feature in the sport. Yet, due to administrative apathy and lack of facilities, paragliding activities have nearly ceased in recent years.

The site first gained attention in 2000 when a daring young woman from Bilaspur stunned locals by taking flight from Ser Jagas. Following her feat, the Tourism Department conducted a technical survey and officially certified it as a paragliding site.

Around seven years ago, under the ‘Nayi Manzilen Nayi Rahein’ scheme, Rs 2 crore was sanctioned for infrastructure development — including road connectivity, a cafeteria, changing rooms and landscaping. As per the Assistant Engineer of PWD, Rajgarh, Hamendra Sharma, a 2.5-km metalled road to the site has been completed. However, no further Budget has been released for the remaining facilities.

District Tourism Development Officer Padma Negi said there was currently no funding available to provide basic amenities at the site.

Meanwhile, Pachhad MLA Reena Kashyap said during the BJP’s tenure, funds were secured under the tourism scheme, but the current Congress government withdrew the Budget from the Tourism Department.