Tragic Paragliding Accidents in Himachal Pradesh Highlight Safety Concerns

On January 18, 2025 in two separate paragliding accidents in Himachal Pradesh claimed the lives of two tourists, raising serious safety concerns about adventure sports in the region.

The first incident occurred at the Indrunag site in Dharamshala, where 19-year-old Bhavsar Khushi, a tourist from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, tragically fell during takeoff. She lost her life, while the pilot sustained injuries. In the second incident at Garsa in Kullu district, 28-year-old Jayash Ram from Tamil Nadu fell from approximately 100 feet and succumbed to his injuries. The pilot also suffered serious injuries. Authorities are investigating both incidents.

These accidents follow a series of similar incidents in recent years. On January 7, 2025, a tourist from Andhra Pradesh lost his life while paragliding at an unapproved site near Manali. Over the past decade, paragliding accidents in Himachal Pradesh have resulted in approximately 20 fatalities across Kullu district and Bir Billing in Kangra district.

Between 2017 and 2022, Bir Billing, one of the most renowned paragliding sites, reported 26 accidents leading to 12 pilot fatalities. In Manali, research indicates that between 2000 and 2024, there were around 125 reported paragliding accidents, resulting in both fatalities and injuries.

Notable Accidents in Recent Years

May 2019: Amandeep Sobti, 23, died in Solang Valley due to pilot error.

November 2019: A tourist from Chennai fell to his death in Manali after his harness came undone mid-flight.

June 2022: A 26-year-old woman from Hyderabad died in Kullu after falling 250 meters during a tandem flight.

October 2023: Three paragliders—a Russian, a Polish, and an Indian—died in separate incidents within a single week.

October 2024: Two fatalities occurred within 48 hours—a Belgian paraglider died in Bir-Billing due to a mid-air collision, and a Czech paraglider lost her life in Manali due to strong winds.

Paragliding at Solang Nallah, Manali (File Photo)
Contributing Factors

Paragliding accidents in Himachal Pradesh often result from, Pilot error, Equipment failure, Sudden weather changes, Inadequate safety measures and Regulations

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department has implemented stricter protocols to improve safety:

Mandatory Training: Paragliders must undergo the Simulation d’Incidents en Vol (SIV) course to enhance safety awareness.

Registration and Licensing: A compulsory two-year training program is required for registration. However, as of early 2024, only 150 paragliders were officially registered, highlighting gaps in oversight.

Site Inspections: District officials conduct inspections of paragliding sites, with violations leading to license cancellations.

Paragliding in Kangra valley
Adventure Tourism’s Dual Impact

Paragliding is a major draw for tourists and generates significant employment in Himachal Pradesh. It provides livelihoods to pilots, helpers, equipment suppliers, event managers, and others. The state has also hosted international paragliding competitions, showcasing its appeal as a global destination.However, the increasing number of accidents has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.

To ensure tourist safety and maintain Himachal Pradesh’s reputation as an adventure tourism hub, the government must Implement stricter safety protocols lke Regularly monitor and enforce compliance with regulations, Penalize officials and operators who fail to adhere to safety standards. Tourists should also prioritize their safety by choosing certified operators and ensuring proper training. While adventure sports carry inherent risks, stricter measures and responsible practices can help create a safer environment for enthusiasts.

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