Dharamshala: Adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh face another grim reminder of safety lapses as 19-year-old paragliding co-pilot Bhawesher  Khushi succumbed to injuries following a mid-air crash during a tandem flight at the Indunag  paragliding site near here.

The tragic accident occurred when the paraglider reportedly malfunctioned mid-air, sending Khushi and her pilot plummeting to the ground.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, Khushi, daught of Jignesh, a resident of Naranpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, couldn’t survive the severe injuries. The pilot, who also sustained serious injuries, is undergoing treatment.

Police confirmed the family has been informed about her death. However, the incident has reignited concerns over the safety of adventure sports in popular destinations like Dharamshala and Solang near Manali.

"This isn’t the first time a paragliding mishap has claimed lives. Poor oversight, inadequate safety measures, and unregulated operations are tarnishing the image of Himachal’s adventure tourism," said a local adventure sports operator, requesting anonymity.

The lack of stringent safety protocols and accountability has turned these scenic sites into danger zones.

While paragliding continues to attract thrill-seekers, families are left grappling with loss and unanswered questions when things go wrong.

The tourism department and authorities need to step up and ensure that safety isn’t sacrificed for profit.

Without immediate action, such tragedies could deter tourists and further taint the state’s adventure sports reputation.