Paragliding pilots, tourism operators and local residents have opposed the proposed 33 kV power transmission line at Bir-Billing, one of the world's most popular paragliding destinations. They alleged that the line is being planned through the main flying corridor instead of the Chauntra route, where it could be laid without affecting paragliding activities. They warned that the proposed alignment could pose a serious safety risk to pilots.
Residents and members of the paragliding community said they have long been demanding that the existing overhead power lines in the area be shifted underground to improve flight safety and protect Bir-Billing's reputation as a global paragliding destination. Instead, they claimed that another overhead 33 kV line is now being planned through the main flight path, raising fresh concerns over safety and adventure tourism.
Paragliding pilots said overhead high-voltage power lines along the flying route could greatly increase the risk of accidents, especially during take-off, landing and cross-country flights. They fear the new line could also affect international paragliding competitions and discourage both Indian and foreign pilots from visiting Bir-Billing.
Rajya Sabha MP and Bir Billing Paragliding Association president Anurag Sharma said the issue had come to his notice and that he would raise it with the Chief Minister, who also holds the Power portfolio. He said ensuring the safety of paragliding pilots is the state government's top priority.
Local tourism operators said Bir-Billing's economy depends largely on adventure tourism. They warned that any project affecting the safety or reputation of the paragliding site could hurt hotels, homestays, restaurants and other businesses linked to tourism.
Residents appealed to the state government and the power department to divert the proposed transmission line through Chauntra. They said underground cabling in the flying zone would be a safer and long-term solution for protecting both pilots and the paragliding site.
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