Urgent Call for Paragliding Safety Reforms in Himachal Pradesh

ASHOK VIHAR, India - March 6, 2025 - PRLog -- Himachal Pradesh  – Two tragic paragliding accidents in Himachal Pradesh have raised serious concerns about adventure sports safety, prompting calls for stricter regulations and enhanced safety measures.

On January 17, 2025, a fatal mid-air collision in Kullu's Garsa Valley claimed the life of 28-year-old A. Jayesh, a tourist from Tamil Nadu. The tandem paragliding accident also left the pilot, Ashwani Kumar, 27, critically injured. Authorities are investigating whether pilot error or technical failure was the cause, with local experts citing inadequate safety regulations as a contributing factor.

Just a day later, on January 18, a separate paragliding mishap in Dharamshala resulted in the tragic death of a 19-year-old tourist from Gujarat, Bhavsar Khushi. The incident occurred at the Indrunag paragliding site when the canopy collapsed during takeoff, causing both the passenger and pilot to plunge into a 60-foot-deep ditch. The pilot, Munish Kumar, sustained injuries but survived. Authorities have registered a case of negligence against the paragliding vendor for violating operational guidelines, as flights beyond 5:00 PM were not permitted.

With three fatalities reported in January 2025 alone, adventure tourism stakeholders are urging immediate action to prevent further accidents. Key measures being advocated include:

• Stricter regulations for paragliding operators to ensure compliance with safety norms.
• Mandatory training programs for pilots to enhance their skills and risk management capabilities.
• Adventure Insurance as a compulsory requirement for all participants and operators, ensuring financial and medical coverage in case of accidents.
• Regular inspections of equipment and adherence to operational guidelines to minimize safety lapses.

"The recent accidents serve as a stark reminder of the risks involved in adventure sports. Implementing stringent regulations and mandatory safety measures is critical to safeguarding lives," said a spokesperson from the adventure tourism sector.

Adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh attract thousands of thrill-seekers annually. However, the lack of consistent safety enforcement poses significant dangers. Authorities and operators must work together to ensure a safer experience for all participants.

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