Kangra, India – The district administration in Kangra is set to introduce sub-division-level regulatory committees to oversee paragliding activities at key sites, including Bir-Billing and Indrunag in Dharamshala. The move aims to enhance safety measures and ensure compliance with regulations, officials familiar with the development confirmed.
The decision was taken during a recent meeting of the Kangra Aero Sports Regulatory Committee (ASRC), chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hemraj Bairwa. Officials discussed strategies to strengthen safety in paragliding operations and underscored the need for stringent action against pilots, operators, or associations that violate established norms.
Local Regulatory Committees to Strengthen Oversight
To bolster regulation at paragliding sites, officials were instructed to establish local regulatory committees akin to the existing district-level body. These committees will include key stakeholders, including government officials, and will be responsible for on-site monitoring and enforcement of safety standards. Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) will be designated to ensure strict adherence to safety protocols.
DC Bairwa further directed officials to define minimum and maximum fare limits for paragliding flights and to compile comprehensive details of operator liabilities under the Special Area Development Authority (SADA).
Kangra: A Global Hub for Paragliding
Kangra district is home to Bir-Billing, one of the most renowned paragliding destinations in the world, offering high-altitude and cross-country flying experiences. Other prominent sites include Indrunag in Dharamshala and Nirvana, which hosted the pre-World Cup paragliding event in 2023.
However, despite its global reputation, the district has witnessed a surge in paragliding-related accidents in recent years. Dozens of pilots, including foreign nationals, have lost their lives, prompting growing concerns over safety regulations and the administration’s role in ensuring compliance.