Dharamshala paragliding tragedy prompts ban till Sept 15: How to spot a legit operator before you fly

A 25-year-old tourist from Gujarat lost his life and a pilot was critically injured in a paragliding accident in Dharamshala on Sunday. This tragedy highlights growing concerns over unauthorised adventure tourism operators in Himachal Pradesh.The deceased has been identified as Satish, a resident of Ahmedabad. The injured pilot, Suraj, hails from Dharamshala and is currently battling for life with severe head injuries. The mishap occurred around 4 pm during takeoff, after which both were rushed to Zonal Hospital and later referred to Tanda Medical College. Satish succumbed to his injuries during treatment.A viral video of the incident shows the glider failing to gain lift and crashing into a ditch, prompting shock and outrage on social media.Read more: Move over Himalayas: 10 South Indian hill stations that steal the showKangra Additional Superintendent of Police Hitesh Lakhanpal confirmed that the incident happened during takeoff and that a thorough probe has been launched. Preliminary findings point to serious lapses.According to Dharamshala SDM Mohit Ratan, the activity was conducted by an unregistered paragliding operator from an unnotified site, making the entire operation illegal. “The site was not approved for such activity,” he stated.

Vinay Dhiman, Tourism Officer for the region, confirmed that a show cause notice has been issued to the operator. “Initial inputs from the Indranag site revealed that the flight took off from outside notified zones. The activity was unauthorised. Action will be taken once the final reports from police and the administration are received,” he said.In response to the incident, the district administration has suspended all paragliding activities in Kangra till September 15, citing safety risks during the monsoon season.

A seasonal ban had already been scheduled to begin from July 15 due to unstable weather and operational hazards.Read more: From Raigad to Gingee: The 12 Maratha Forts that won UNESCO recognitionThis is not the first tragedy at the Indranag site. In January this year, a 19-year-old girl lost her life during a similar activity at the same location, prompting the administration to tighten norms. Revised safety guidelines were introduced soon after, mandating that only licensed operators fly from notified sites with certified equipment and trained pilots.

How to verify a legitimate paragliding operator

As adventure tourism gains popularity, so does the risk of falling prey to unauthorised or underqualified operators. Here are some tips for travellers to ensure their experience is both thrilling and safe:Check for registration: Confirm that the operator is registered with the local tourism department and holds a valid license issued by the District Administration or Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board.Ask for pilot credentials: All pilots must be certified by a recognised body such as the Aero Club of India or DGCA-approved training institutes. Ask to see ID and certification.Fly only from notified sites: Approved flying zones are regularly listed by local tourism boards. Avoid operators offering flights from random or secluded locations.Check equipment condition: Legitimate operators maintain high-quality harnesses, gliders, helmets, and radio systems.

Don’t hesitate to inspect gear.Look for safety briefings: Professional operators will always conduct a pre-flight briefing and discuss emergency protocols.This tragic incident serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of ignoring safety in the name of thrill. Authorities urge travellers to remain vigilant and prioritise safety over price or convenience.