Making memories is by far the most important reason we travel. Doing something unusual when traveling is one method to do this. An adrenaline-pumping sport like paragliding or river rafting might fall under this category. However, there is a sobering reality to the excitement: there are hazards, particularly when safety precautions are disregarded.
 
Consider the terrible tale of pune resident Shivani Dable, who is 27 years old. In order to explore and make memories, she traveled to Goa, but her vacation ended tragically. Shivani and her teacher, Sumal Nepali, 26, died on january 19 after their paraglider crashed into a gulf not long after it took off from a cliff in Keri village, North Goa. Additionally, a video of the event has gone viral.
 
Regretfully, this is not a unique instance. A similar incident occurred close to manali on january 7. 32-year-old Tadi Mahesh reddy was killed when an unexpected blast of wind caused his glider to sink rather than climb when he was trying to take off at Raison.

What do these accidents have in common? Both of the businesses providing these adventure sports were breaking the law. This concerning statistic draws attention to a more significant problem affecting adventure travel in India.
 
The rise in adventure sports and tourism
The demand for exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping activities has increased as more indians embrace travel. Adventure activities like skydiving, rafting, paragliding, and trekking have become quite popular. Whether on land, in the air, or on the sea, these sports appeal to thrill-seekers. There are several alternatives, ranging from hot-air ballooning to climbing.
 
The indian adventure tourism industry was estimated to be worth Rs 15,000 crore (USD 2 billion) in 2021 and is projected to reach Rs 35,000 crore (USD 4.6 billion) by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 17%.
 
But...
Accidents at popular tourist destinations have significantly increased in tandem with this rising excitement. There were a number of occurrences in january alone, several of which led to serious injuries or fatalities. The two main causes of most paragliding accidents are novice pilots and unauthorized operators.
 
It might be challenging for travelers to discern between providers who are regulated and those that are not. They unintentionally endanger their lives in the absence of explicit policies or obvious certificates.
 
The dangers extend beyond paragliding. On May 20, 2024, while participating in an activity at Jungle Trailz Resort in Harohalli, Bengaluru, 35-year-old nurse Ranjini N plummeted around thirty feet when the zipline cable broke. She went on a group excursion with her coworkers. Basic safety precautions including helmets and first-aid supplies were absent from the resort, according to investigations. The resort management was then the target of a police complaint.
 
Another well-liked adventure activity that has experienced its share of fatal events is river rafting. At the "Golf Course" rapid in Rishikesh, a popular destination for adventure seekers, a 33-year-old delhi lady perished earlier this month after her raft capsized. Three other people on the raft were saved, but she was unable to be retrieved in time because to the Ganga's powerful currents.
 
 

 

 
For more interesting updates wa click and follow Indiaherald WhatsApp channel

Find out more:

Extreme Sports

G GOWTHAM

25/01/2025 12:37 PM