Ensuring safe adventure: Home guards to be stationed at Himachal’s paragliding sites
Every year, millions of tourists flock to Himachal Pradesh to marvel at its stunning natural beauty and enjoy thrilling adventures. From skiing and trekking to ropeways, hot air ballooning, and paragliding, visitors experience the joy of soaring through the sky. However, paragliding accidents have sometimes led to tragic outcomes. To enhance safety, the administration has decided to deploy home guards at paragliding sites.
Home Guards to Enhance Safety at Paragliding Sites
With the summer season underway, the Kullu administration is prioritizing tourist safety. Tourists in Kullu district not only enjoy the scenic mountains but also wish to experience the thrill of paragliding. Paragliding is offered at nine locations in Kullu. To prevent accidents, the district administration will deploy home guards at various sites. Despite the presence of marshals appointed by the tourism department, accidents still occur. The district administration is now taking a new step by sending home guards to paragliding sites.
Tourism Department’s Initiative
Home guards will be stationed at sites with frequent accidents. The tourism department has written to the Home Guard Commandant for permission. Once granted, home guards will be deployed at Gadsa and Dobhi sites, with their salaries covered by the site’s society. The tourism department is fully prepared for this initiative.
Addressing Paragliding Accidents
On January 16, a tourist from Tamil Nadu died during paragliding at the Gadsa site, leading to a temporary ban. Considering the season, paragliding is now being resumed. Several tourists have also lost their lives or been seriously injured at the Dobhi site. Starting Friday, the tourism department will inspect paragliding equipment at these sites.
Local Entrepreneurs’ Perspective
Ronit, Badal, and Rahul, young entrepreneurs at the Nanga Bag paragliding site, commend the administration’s step to deploy home guards. They emphasize the importance of safety for tourists and the paragliding business.
District Administration’s Commitment
DC Kullu Torul S. Ravish stated that the administration is serious about tourist safety. Tourists are urged to avoid rivers and streams, with information boards installed at various locations. Legal action will be taken against those who disregard these warnings. Tourism business operators are also raising awareness about safety rules among tourists.
