Operators seek changes in aero sports norms in Himachal Pradesh

MANALI: With hotels in Kullu-Manali and most other places in Himachal set to resume operations from October 1, adventure activity operators of the state are waiting for the government to issue guidelines for them to get back to business.
Paragliding operators want the ban on paragliding in the monsoon lifted. Paragliding has been banned in the monsoon under Himachal Pradesh Aero Sports Rules, 2004. A group of paragliders from Kullu-Manali met higher officials of the tourism department in Shimla and requested them to lift the ban on paragliding in the monsoon. According to them, July to September is the safest season to fly unless it is not raining. They feel lifting the ban on paragliding will attract more tourists in the monsoon.
“We convinced officials, including director, tourism and minister Govind Singh Thakur to consider changes in aero sports rules. We also assured them that there will be no paragliding on rainy days. Anyone found violating the rule should be penalised heavily. Since paragliding involves risk to life, we requested that in case of an accident, the whole association of a particular flying site be made responsible and not the individual pilot alone,” said Manali Paragliding Association president Surender Pal.
Paragliders have objections to the new rules being framed by the government, which is issuing licenses to paragliding pilots. Paragliders want complete transparency in the system. Roshan Thakur, the first civilian paraglider of Himachal and owner of a paragliding school, gave some suggestions and sought changes in the paragliding test and license-issuing rules.