A tourist vehicle drove into the restricted paragliding landing site at Bir-Billing in Kangra district, damaging the grassy field. The incident happened on Monday when an SUV with a Haryana registration number entered the landing area and got stuck in the ground.
Local people helped pull the vehicle out of the field. After that, the police issued a challan of Rs 1,000 to the vehicle driver.
Why the Bir-Billing landing site is restricted during monsoon
Paragliding activities at Bir-Billing remain suspended for nearly two months during the monsoon season. This period is important for the landing site because the grass gets a chance to naturally regenerate, and the ground recovers from the wear and tear caused by regular use.
Despite this ban, some tourists are allegedly taking advantage of the situation and driving their vehicles into the restricted landing site. This causes damage to the grassy field, which defeats the purpose of the seasonal closure.
What happens when vehicles enter the restricted field
When vehicles drive onto the landing site, they damage the grass and compact the soil. This harms the natural regeneration process that the monsoon break is meant to support. The latest incident shows that the restriction is not being fully respected by all visitors.
The police response in this case was to issue a challan of Rs 1,000 to the driver. However, the incident raises questions about whether stronger measures are needed to protect the site during the closed season.
Our Take: Protecting Bir-Billing needs stricter enforcement
To put it plainly, a Rs 1,000 challan may not be enough to stop tourists from driving into a restricted area. The Bir-Billing landing site is not just a tourist spot — it is an operational field that needs to stay in good condition for when paragliding resumes.
The monsoon closure exists for a clear reason: to let the grass regrow and the ground recover. When vehicles enter the field during this period, they undo that recovery work. In our view, authorities should consider higher fines or stronger barriers to keep vehicles out. The damage caused by one SUV may seem small, but repeated incidents could leave the landing site in poor shape for the next season.
Tourists also have a responsibility here. A restricted area means restricted — driving into it harms the very site they come to enjoy. Respecting the rules helps ensure Bir-Billing remains a safe and functional paragliding destination for everyone.