Kullu Administration Launches Inquiry Into Viral Child Paragliding Video
The Kullu district administration has initiated a formal inquiry following the emergence of a video on social media platforms depicting a child engaged in tandem paragliding within the region. This development has raised significant concerns regarding adherence to safety regulations and child protection protocols in the adventure tourism industry.
Official Statement and Investigation Details
Rohit Sharma, the officer from the Kullu district tourism department, confirmed to TOI that an inquiry into the alleged incident is currently in progress. "We are actively working to verify the authenticity and content of the video," Sharma stated. "Several critical details remain unclear, including the exact age of the child, their gender, and their place of origin."
Sharma emphasized that, according to established rules, paragliding activities are strictly prohibited for individuals under the age of 12. The specific location within the Kullu district where this tandem paragliding event occurred has also not been definitively identified. "We have formally requested local paragliding associations to provide any information or details they may possess regarding this incident," he added. "Any subsequent actions will be determined based on the findings and outcomes of this ongoing inquiry."
Background of the Incident and Safety Concerns
The video, which was posted by a Facebook user a few days prior, showcased a tandem pilot taking off with what appears to be a child below the permissible age limit. Members of local paragliding associations have suggested that the footage was likely recorded at either the Dobhi or Raison paragliding take-off sites. Notably, the original video has since been deleted by the user who uploaded it.
This incident brings to light the broader safety issues plaguing paragliding sites in the Kullu district, which have gained notoriety due to a series of fatalities and accidents, primarily attributed to human error. Experts have repeatedly highlighted that amateur pilots are a leading cause of paragliding crashes and deaths in the area. Furthermore, there are allegations that numerous operators conduct their businesses without obtaining the necessary licenses from the administration.
The gravity of these safety lapses is underscored by recent statistics: as many as six individuals lost their lives in paragliding crashes in Kullu and Kangra districts last year alone, with a total of ten fatalities recorded since February 2024.
Related Incident: Raft Capsizes in Beas River
In a separate but related incident highlighting the risks associated with adventure tourism in the region, six tourists experienced a harrowing escape when their raft capsized in the Beas river near Kullu town on Wednesday. According to official reports, the raft became lodged in rocks mid-river, leading to the capsizing.
Two of the tourists, a man and a woman, were swept away by the strong river currents after falling into the water. Fortunately, both individuals were wearing life jackets and were successfully rescued by local residents. It is important to note that the water level in the Beas river has risen significantly in recent days due to heavy rainfall.
This incident echoes a similar event from last year, on December 29, when a group of tourists required rescue after their raft became stuck in rocks in the shallow waters of the Beas river near Bhuntar, close to Kullu.
