A 19-year-old tourist from Gujarat died in a paragliding accident on Saturday evening at the Indrunag paragliding site near Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Sunday. The incident, which also left the pilot injured, occurred during takeoff at around 5 p.m.
The victim, who was on a family trip, fell along with the pilot shortly after the flight began, according to local authorities.
Kangra Tourism Deputy Director Vinay Dhiman said the department has requested a detailed report on the mishap. “We have requested a report on the incident and will conduct an investigation. Paragliding flights are permitted until sunset. However, whether proper thermals were present at the time of the incident is a matter for investigation, and we will thoroughly examine it,” Dhiman told reporters.
Thermals, or rising columns of warm air, are crucial for providing the lift needed for paragliding flights.
Dharamshala Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sanjeev Kumar confirmed that the flight was conducted within the permitted timeframe and that the pilot held a valid license. The operator was also registered with the Himachal Pradesh tourism department, he added.
The accident comes a day after another paragliding tragedy in Kullu, where a tourist from Tamil Nadu died and a pilot sustained serious injuries after two paragliders collided mid-air. Earlier this month, a tourist from Andhra Pradesh was killed in a paragliding crash at Raison in Manali.
Kullu SDM Vikas Shukla said an initial investigation into the Kullu incident suggested that a mid-air collision occurred. “A magisterial probe has been initiated to determine whether it was an accident or negligence. I will consult a technical expert and visit the site for further analysis,” Shukla said.
Over the past two years, nearly a dozen paragliders, including several foreign nationals, have lost their lives in Himachal Pradesh, raising serious concerns about safety measures in the state’s popular adventure tourism industry.
The Himachal Pradesh tourism department is currently revising the Himachal Aero Sports Rules 2022 in an effort to strengthen safety protocols. The Paragliding Association of India has submitted recommendations to improve the rules, which are in the final stages of approval.
“The process of modifying the rules is in its final stages. The move aims to enhance the safety of paragliding activities in the state,” a tourism department official said.
Himachal Pradesh, known for its scenic landscapes and adventure sports, attracts thousands of thrill-seekers every year. However, the recent string of accidents has highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulations and enhanced safety protocols.
