Paragliding site in Kullu closed after tourist’s death

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The popular paragliding site at Raison in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu has been shut down indefinitely following the tragic death of a tourist during a flight.
The decision was taken by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department after preliminary investigations pointed to negligence by the operator.
The authorities have also decided to inspect all paragliding equipment used at the site to ensure compliance with safety standards. The victim, Mahesh Reddy, a resident of Andhra Pradesh, lost his life when his paraglider lost balance due to strong winds.

Flight took off from unauthorised location

Investigators found that the flight had taken off from an unauthorised location, approximately 100 metres away from the designated launch site identified by the department.
The pilot involved in the incident was reportedly operating without a valid licence, although he had applied for one.
To prevent such accidents, two marshals were appointed to oversee paragliding activities at the site. However, their role has come under scrutiny as questions arise about how the unauthorised flight went unnoticed.

Pilot lacked licence to operate

“The marshals were deployed to curb accidents, but this incident highlights serious lapses in monitoring,” said a local official.
District Tourism Development Officer Rajesh Bhandari confirmed that the Raison site was an officially designated paragliding location, but flights from unauthorised spots posed significant risks.
“The operator’s failure to follow regulations and lack of a valid license contributed to this tragic incident. A report on the preliminary findings has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner,” he stated.
Kullu remains one of Himachal Pradesh’s top tourist destinations, known for its scenic beauty and adventure sports like paragliding. However, incidents like these have raised concerns about safety measures, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of regulations to ensure the well-being of thrill-seekers visiting the region.

Sunil Chadda

Sunil Chadda

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