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Britisher's death brings to fore illegal paragliding in Kangra
The death of a British paraglider, who crashed into the hills near Dharamsala, has once again brought to the fore illegal paragliding activities going on in Kangra valley.
The death of a British paraglider, who crashed into the hills near Dharamsala, has once again brought to the fore illegal paragliding activities going on in Kangra valley.
Though the tourism department, which looks into the adventure sports activities in the state, has some set rules, these are often violated as there has been no separate body to keep a check on paragliding.
According to sources, British national Richard Samson, who died in the crash two days ago, had not sought any permission from the authorities concerned before flying.
The rules say any paraglider, particularly free flyers, must seek permission for such activities.
Meanwhile, former BJP leader Kishan Kapoor has demanded an inquiry into the death of the British paraglider.
Alleging that a paragliding racket is being run in Kangra Valley, Kapoor said an inquiry should be ordered into the circumstances that led to the death of the British paraglider.
“The incident has brought a bad name to Dharamsala as a tourist destination. Earlier also a youth had died in a similar incident,” Kapoor said, adding that the people engaged in adventure sports were making brisk business by putting life of tourists at risk.
He said though the authorities were claiming that the deceased pilot was a free flyer, sources said he was part of an illegal paragliding racket operating in the region.
