The Bir police have registered an FIR against three persons following a dispute linked to paragliding operations and the alleged violation of flying restrictions imposed at Billing, the world-renowned paragliding take-off site in Kangra district.
According to police sources, a complaint was lodged by Vinay Kumar (49), a resident of Bir, alleging that despite the closure of the flying window due to adverse weather conditions, some tandem paragliding pilots continued operating flights in violation of official restrictions.
The complainant stated that aviation authorities had suspended all solo and tandem flying activities at 7.29 am on Saturday after assessing deteriorating weather conditions. However, some pilots allegedly ignored the restrictions and continued flying and landing in the designated area.
Vinay Kumar further alleged that around 8.45 am, three persons arrived at his shop, entered the premises and abused and threatened him. The dispute reportedly arose over the enforcement of the flying ban and objections raised regarding unauthorised paragliding activities during unsafe weather conditions.
Baijnath SDM Sankalp Gautam said that flying operations are strictly prohibited during adverse weather to ensure the safety of pilots and tourists. Several fatal paragliding accidents in the past, resulting in the deaths of both pilots and visitors, have prompted the administration to adopt a strict approach toward safety regulations.
This year, the police and Tourism Department have intensified monitoring of paragliding activities and have enforced weather-related restrictions more rigorously. Officials have not permitted any flying activity whenever weather conditions were considered unsafe. However, these stricter measures have reportedly faced resistance from some sections of the paragliding community, with certain pilots allegedly attempting to continue operations despite official prohibitions.
Kangra ASP Bir Bahadur confirmed that a case has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the BNS pertaining to criminal intimidation and other offences. An FIR has also been registered under Section 10 of the Aircraft Act, 1934, for the alleged violation of aviation safety regulations.
Police have initiated a detailed investigation into the incident and are examining all aspects of the case, including the alleged unauthorised flying activities carried out after the designated flying window had been closed by the authorities.
Officials reiterated that strict action would be taken against anyone found violating aviation safety norms, as ensuring the safety of tourists and pilots remains the administration’s top priority.
