Himachal: Illegal construction in Bir-Billing poses a threat to paragliders
Himachal Pradesh: The natural beauty and global identity of Bir-Billing, one of the world’s top paragliding destinations, is under threat due to uncontrolled and unregulated construction activities. Despite the government recently including six more panchayats under the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, illegal and haphazard development work continues unabated, posing serious challenges to the sustainability and safety of the area. Experts and residents fear that if urgent action is not taken, Bir-Billing may lose its charm, as the shrinking open spaces could threaten its reputation as a major tourist destination. Paragliders may soon face difficulties in landing safely, while tourists may have to grapple with congestion and poorly managed infrastructure.
Chaos and mismanagement The narrow roads leading to the Billing take-off point and the Bir landing site are often plagued by traffic jams, especially on weekends. Poor traffic management and absence of proper parking facilities further worsen the situation, with vehicles parked haphazardly along the road, causing inconvenience to visitors. The Special Area Development Authority (SADA), set up to regulate and plan construction activities, has failed to control the uncontrolled growth. Sources reveal that many building plans are getting delayed due to bureaucratic bottlenecks and red tape despite provisions for online submissions and time-bound approvals. Residents of nearby villages, who depend on timely clearance of building plans, have been disproportionately affected by the TCP’s inefficiencies.
Safety concerns
Uncontrolled construction near landing and take-off sites has posed serious safety concerns for paragliders. A senior flyer expressed concern about the increased risks posed by buildings near these sites. He said, “The wind does not always flow from one direction, and the flyers are forced to land at different angles. The buildings around the sites make landing dangerous.” Bir-Billing, which recently hosted an international paragliding championship with over 250 participants, has also been the venue for World Cup and pre-World Cup events in recent years. However, deteriorating infrastructure threatens the region’s ability to continue hosting such prestigious events.
Tourists visiting Bir-Billing have criticised the lack of basic amenities, including proper toilets, in Bir, Billing, Chogan and the Tibetan Colony. Despite imposing taxes such as green tax and pilot fees, SADA has failed to improve facilities for visitors. Locals and tourists alike are urging the government to take immediate and effective action to prevent further damage to the region’s appeal and ensure that Bir-Billing retains its status as a world-class paragliding destination.
