Zipline fall of minor puts spotlight on safety lapses
A disturbing video showing a 12-year-old girl named Trisha falling nearly 30 feet from a zipline near Nehru Kund in Manali has gone viral, reigniting serious concerns over the safety of adventure tourism in Himachal Pradesh. The incident, which occurred on June 8, remained unreported until the unsettling footage surfaced online.
According to the police, Trisha’s father, Prafful Vijve, has opted not to pursue legal action. He stated that he will personally ensure his daughter receives the required medical care.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the zipline malfunctioned mid-course, causing Trisha to plunge abruptly onto the rocky terrain below. She sustained serious injuries and was initially treated at a hospital in Manali, later referred to Chandigarh, and has now been shifted to Nagpur for advanced care. Her condition is reported to be stable.
The incident has renewed criticism of the lax safety protocols and inadequate government oversight in the Kullu-Manali region—one of the most popular adventure tourism hubs in the country. Of particular concern is the participation of minors in such high-risk activities and the questionable safety measures adopted by several operators.
The Department of Tourism, which regulates adventure activities such as river rafting, paragliding, hot-air ballooning, bungee jumping, zip-lining, rock climbing, rappelling, zorbing, skiing and snow sliding, is reportedly understaffed. With responsibilities covering thousands of hospitality units and adventure operators across the state, the department’s limited resources have come under fire for failing to ensure adequate safety checks.
Experts and activists have long demanded stronger self-regulatory mechanisms and tighter monitoring. “This is not the first such incident. Without strict safety protocols and clear accountability, more tragedies are bound to occur,” said a local adventure guide who declined to be named.
The Kullu district has witnessed multiple fatal accidents linked to adventure tourism over the years. Despite repeated inquiries and interventions by the High Court, meaningful on-ground reforms remain minimal.
Public pressure is now building on state authorities to clamp down on unlicensed operators and implement a mandatory safety audit system. Families visiting the hills are being urged to verify the credentials and safety certifications of operators before engaging in any adventure activities.
While the Tourism Department has promised a detailed investigation, there is still no official confirmation on whether the zipline operator responsible for Trisha’s fall will face charges of criminal negligence.
Himachal Tribune