The skies above Bir-Billing in Himachal Pradesh are bustling with excitement as the 2024 Paragliding World Cup takes flight from November 2 to 9. While this event has drawn large crowds and global attention, the increasing commercialization and overtourism are starting to pose challenges to the region. Despite these concerns, tourism continues to thrive, and the thrill of flying remains undiminished.
Bir, now known as India’s paragliding capital, has transformed in the last decade. Once a quiet village, it now hosts hundreds of paragliding enthusiasts daily. Standing at the Bir-Billing landing site, which used to be farmland, residents like Biyasa Devi, 59, reflect on the dramatic growth of this adventure sport. “10-15 years ago, we’d see just 10-15 people flying,” she recalls, as participants from around the world land on the once-serene grounds.
However, the sport’s popularity has not come without its risks. A Polish paraglider recently found himself stranded in the Dhauladhar hills, 184 km away after a mid-air collision. As he awaits rescue, it highlights the growing concern over safety amidst the rapid expansion of paragliding tourism in Bir.
Despite challenges, the future of paragliding in Himachal Pradesh seems to soar higher, with major support from the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department and the Paragliding World Cup Association
