Pokhara Police Intensify Checks on Paragliding Pilots for Safety

Pokhara. Police have increased their activity to make paragliding flights, a major tourist attraction in Pokhara, safe and disciplined. To minimize the risks that may arise in this sector, known as an adventure sport, the police have started special checks on paragliding pilots regarding alcohol (MAPSE) and drug (LAPSE) use.

Just as regular checks are carried out on vehicle drivers on the road, a police team went to Toripani in Pokhara-18, Sarangkot, and conducted random testing of pilots preparing for flight. This monitoring was done based on secret information that pilots were flying after consuming intoxicating substances, especially during the current time when Indian tourists are present in large numbers.

A team led by DSP Namraj Bhattarai, chief of Ward Police Office Kaski, along with officials from Community Service Center Kaski, went to Toripani and conducted health checks on 35 pilots. According to DSP Bhattarai, this step has been taken to prevent human errors and potential accidents during flights.

He stated that they are conducting checks to ensure the safety of tourists. He added that pilots need to take special precautions as Pokhara's weather is constantly changing. He mentioned that the series of checks will continue to make it a safe adventure destination.

Paragliding itself is an adventurous and risky sport, and the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority also conducts such monitoring from time to time. In the past 25 years, there have been two accidents during tandem flights (pilot and passenger).

In such a situation, pilots have expressed confidence that the police's activity will further boost the confidence of tourists and make flights safer. Paragliding pilot Ranjit Gautam said that more than 500 tourists come daily for paragliding.

He said that it is their job to save the tourism sector, and everyone should work together safely. He mentioned that Indian and Bangladeshi tourists are currently visiting Pokhara during the off-season. Another pilot said that paragliding can be done for 7,500 rupees, which includes photos and videos.

Bhim Parajuli, chairman of the Community Service Center Kaski, said that unsafe activities in the paragliding sector can have a negative impact on Pokhara's overall tourism sector. He emphasized that the concerned bodies should strictly regulate to make pilots more responsible towards their profession and ensure adherence to safety standards. He stated that checks have been tightened to prevent any accidents in adventure sports. He mentioned that this program has also been conducted in previous years.

According to stakeholders, such surprise checks should be conducted regularly to make adventure sports organized and disciplined, which will help in minimizing potential air accidents.