November 01, 2022 – Looks like the government administration and tourism department are unaware of the safety of the tourists coming to Bhimtal. On Friday, A tourist from Gujarat died in an accident during paragliding at Bhimtal. This is not the first time tourists have been injured in accidents during paragliding at Bhimtal. Still, there are no ambulances, stretchers, or any health-related equipment available at paragliding sites by the government, administration, or tourism department.
Jagdish Bhai (55), a Pushkar Dham Rajkot, Gujarat resident, arrived with his family for paragliding at Bhimtal on Friday. Jagdish got injured in an accident during paragliding. His Relatives and local people took him to Haldwani by private vehicle but unfortunately, On Saturday evening, Jagdish died in a private hospital. The tourist’s daughter Pam told that her father was taken to the hospital with the help of a private car driver due to the non-availability of an ambulance. No complaint has been submitted by the family to the police yet.
Ambulance, Stretcher, and Primary Medical Facility Not Available
Currently, there are 12 companies operating paragliding in Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal. The tourism department has permitted three take off and three landing sites. But ambulances, stretchers, and primary medical facilities are not available anywhere around any of the sites.
On behalf of the paragliding companies, a demand has been made from the government and the administration to provide ambulances and primary medical kits. Soon a meeting will be organized with The CM, Tourism Minister, MLA and Tourism Secretary to fulfill the demand.
Nitin Rana, Paragliding Operator
The government and administration should come forward to cooperate with the paragliding companies. For this, ambulances, stretchers and other health related equipment should be made available so that no accident of any kind can happen.
Vipin Pandey, Paragliding Operator
There was no death of a tourist while paragliding in Bhimtal on Friday. During the information it has come to know that at the time when the accident happened, the tourists were taking photos and they fell uncontrollably while taking the photo. Is being investigated. Further action will be taken only after investigation.
Balwant Kapkoti, Adventure Sports Officer