Munish Sood
MANDI: A paragliding pilot sustained injuries on Saturday (May 31, 2025) morning after being swept away by a sudden storm shortly after taking off from the renowned Bir Billing paragliding site in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, which is one of Asia’s most popular adventure sports destinations.
The incident occurred at around 10.30 am. Eyewitnesses said the pilot had launched from Bir Billing when sudden strong winds disrupted the flight. The powerful gusts carried the pilot nearly 20 km off course before he crash-landed on the concrete roof of a house in Pahlun village, located near Jogindernagar.
Local residents, along with members of the Rotary Club, rushed to the spot and provided immediate assistance. The injured pilot was transported by ambulance to the Civil Hospital in Jogindernagar, where he is currently undergoing treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
This latest incident adds to a series of accidents that have raised safety concerns over the years in the Bir Billing region. In a notable case from November 2021, a tourist lost his life after falling from a paraglider during a tandem flight, reportedly due to a faulty safety harness that came loose shortly after take-off. He fell from a height of approximately 150 feet onto the roof of a house.
In response to growing concerns, the authorities have taken measures to enhance safety protocols, particularly during large-scale events such as the Paragliding World Cup. Recent editions have featured the deployment of helicopters, multiple medical teams with ambulances and specialised rescue units supported by trained personnel from leading mountaineering institutes.
Despite these efforts, safety lapses continue to be a pressing issue. Experts point to several contributing factors, including failure to thoroughly verify pilot credentials and equipment, use of uncertified gliders, and a lack of awareness among free-flying tourists unfamiliar with the complex weather patterns of the Dhauladhar range.
With Bir Billing attracting thousands of adventure enthusiasts annually, calls are growing louder for stricter enforcement of safety norms and real-time weather monitoring systems. Local authorities are reportedly reviewing existing safety frameworks to prevent further mishaps and ensure the region remains a secure and reliable destination for adventure tourism.
