Bir Billing paragliding rules tightened amid bad weather

The Kangra district administration has tightened enforcement of safety rules at Bir Billing and Indrunag paragliding sites, warning pilots against flying during adverse weather conditions and threatening strict action, including cancellation of licences, for violations.

District Tourism Officer Vinay Dhiman said local committees and marshals had arranged to monitor weather conditions and update pilots in time to prevent unsafe flights.

He said Bir Billing permits both solo and tandem paragliding, while only tandem flights are allowed at Indrunag. Tandem flights at Bir Billing generally last 15 to 30 minutes, while those at Indrunag last around five to 10 minutes.

Dhiman said marshals shared weather alerts and instructions against flying during unfavourable conditions with pilots via WhatsApp.

Any pilot found violating safety instructions would face immediate action. Repeated violations could lead to cancellation of the pilot’s licence, while operators found involved in such violations could also lose their operating permits, he added.