A tandem paragliding flight in the scenic Garsa valley of Kullu district ended in an accident on Sunday, resulting in injuries to the pilot. The incident occurred during the landing phase near Bhuntar.
Pilot Stuck in Tree During Landing
The accident unfolded when the paraglider, carrying a pilot and a tourist, encountered trouble while attempting to land. The pilot, identified as Niraj, a resident of Garsa, got stuck in a tree. Despite the precarious situation, the tourist flying with him had a fortunate escape and emerged completely unharmed from the ordeal, as confirmed by a local police officer.
Following the mishap, the injured pilot was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The exact nature and extent of his injuries have not been detailed in official reports.
Department Orders Safety Inquiry
Reacting to the incident, an official from the tourism department stated that an inquiry would be conducted to ascertain the precise cause of the accident. The official emphasized that appropriate action would be initiated based on the findings of this investigation.
This recent event has cast a spotlight on safety protocols for adventure sports in the popular tourist region. It marks the second concerning incident in the Garsa valley within a short span. On December 27 last year, a 23-year-old tourist from Mumbai, Divay Prajapati, was badly injured during a tandem flight when his safety harness came loose mid-air, causing him to fall to the ground.
Implications for Adventure Tourism Hub
Kullu, and the Garsa valley in particular, is a major hub for paragliding and other adventure activities, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers annually. These consecutive accidents are likely to prompt a thorough review of operational safety standards and enforcement mechanisms for service providers in the area.
Key questions now center on factors such as pilot training, equipment checks, weather assessment, and landing site management. The outcome of the official inquiry will be crucial in determining the next steps to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future, safeguarding both the industry's reputation and the safety of participants.
