There will be complete ban on all paragliding activities in Bir-Billing from July 15 to September 15 as a precautionary measure during the monsoon season.

Official sources said on Sunday that annual suspension of paragliding operations has been enforced to ensure the safety of pilots and tourists, as unpredictable weather conditions, heavy rainfall, strong winds and poor visibility significantly increase the risk of flying accidents during the monsoon.

The ban will apply to both tandem and solo paragliding flights. Authorities have directed all registered paragliding associations and individual operators to withdraw their pilots and suspend flying operations from July 15 until the restrictions are lifted on September 15.

Bir-Billing, located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar mountain range in Kangra district, is internationally renowned as one of the world’s premier paragliding destinations. The site has hosted several national and international paragliding events and attracts thousands of adventure enthusiasts from India and abroad every year.

According to Anurag Sharma, Member Rajya Sabha and president of the Bir-Billing Paragliding Association, the two-month suspension will have a significant impact on the local economy. More than 5,000 people are directly or indirectly dependent on tourism and paragliding-related activities in the valley. Around 250 local paragliding pilots earn their livelihood through the sport, while nearly 100 taxi operators who transport tourists and pilots between Bir and Billing will also remain without business during the ban.

The take-off point at Billing, situated at an altitude of about 8,000 feet, lies approximately 14 kilometers north of Bir, while the landing site is located at an elevation of around 4,500 feet. Besides adventure tourism, Bir-Billing is also known for eco-tourism, Buddhist monasteries, meditation centres and spiritual retreats.

Officials said the temporary suspension is a routine annual measure aimed at preventing accidents during adverse weather conditions and ensuring the safety of visitors and pilots alike. Paragliding activities are expected to resume after September 15, subject to favourable weather conditions and approval from the district administration.