A tragic paragliding accident at the renowned Bir Billing adventure sports site in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district claimed the life of a pilot on Friday. This marks the third fatal incident involving paragliders in the region this year, sending shockwaves through the adventure tourism community and raising urgent questions about safety protocols.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The victim has been identified as Mohan Singh, a resident of Barot, located approximately 30 kilometers from Bir Billing. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff. According to fellow pilot Partap Singh, Mohan was flying tandem with a woman tourist at the time. While the tourist survived the crash, Mohan Singh succumbed to his injuries.
This tragedy follows two other fatal accidents in 2024: a tourist from Gujarat died in July, and a Canadian pilot lost his life in October. The repeated incidents have left tourists apprehensive and cast a shadow over one of India's premier paragliding destinations.
Community Response and Official Inquiry
In a mark of respect and mourning, pilots at Bir Billing observed a complete no-flying day on Saturday. The accident has intensified scrutiny over working conditions and safety standards for the nearly 400 paragliding pilots operating in the Bir Billing region.
Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa confirmed that multiple versions of the incident are being examined. The Baijnath Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) has been tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry into the crash. Officials have reiterated the critical need for strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Broader Safety and Economic Concerns
Authorities emphasized that proper screening of passengers for fitness, weight limits, and medical conditions is non-negotiable, stating that relying solely on indemnity forms is insufficient. The incident exposes the precarious economic reality for pilots alongside safety issues.
Pilot Partap Singh revealed the seasonal and uncertain nature of their earnings. During peak tourist season, a pilot might get three to four flights daily, but during lean periods, they may only get one flight per day or even one in two days. A pilot earns between Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 per flight, while tourists are charged around Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000.
The crash has immediately impacted tourist sentiment. Shubham, a tourist from Delhi who was celebrating the holidays with friends, expressed how the incident shook their group. Having completed one flight before the accident, they are now reconsidering their plans for another.
This third fatality in a single year underscores an urgent need for a comprehensive safety review, better regulation, and improved working conditions to prevent further loss of life at this iconic adventure sports site.
