In the wake of a tragic paragliding accident that claimed two lives, the Goa government has announced the immediate suspension of all paragliding activities, both motorized and non-motorized, across the state.
An order issued by Kedar A Naik, Director of Tourism, stated that operations are halted “until further orders” to ensure the safety of participants and adherence to regulations. The Department of Tourism will now review all existing registrations under the Goa Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1982, to ensure compliance with requisite safety standards.
All operators engaged in paragliding activities have been directed to submit prescribed documentation to the authorities. Local police stations have also been instructed to assist in enforcing the order. Non-compliance will attract a fine of ₹50,000 and penal action under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The suspension follows the January 18 incident where Shivani Dabale and pilot Suman Nepali lost their lives after their paragliding cable snapped mid-flight. The duo fell from a height after losing balance, crashing into rocks in a ravine at Keri plateau.
The police have since arrested the owner of the adventure sports company involved for operating without the necessary permissions or valid licenses. The Tourism Department confirmed that no approvals had been granted for paragliding at the Keri plateau.
Reiterating its commitment to maintaining safety and licensing standards, the department assured that a detailed inquiry will be conducted to prevent such incidents in the future.
