Zipline mishap exposes safety gaps in state’s adventure tourism boom

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department has launched an investigation following a serious incident on June 8, when a girl from Maharashtra was injured after falling from a zipline at Nehru Kund near Manali. Chirangi Lal, who holds additional charge as the Kullu District Tourism Development Officer (DTDO), confirmed that the zipline has been ordered shut pending a thorough inquiry.

Preliminary findings have revealed that although seven zipline operators are officially registered with the Tourism Department, the facility involved in the accident was not among them. Authorities are currently awaiting a response from the unregistered zipline operator to determine further action.

Initially, no police complaint or formal case was registered. However, the situation escalated when a video of the accident went viral on social media nearly a week later. In response, the Tourism Department quickly intervened, and Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadavendra Goma directed the Sports Department to assist in the matter.

The Tourism Department claims to conduct routine safety inspections—both in response to complaints and through regular site visits. However, this incident has exposed wider regulatory shortcomings across Himachal’s rapidly growing adventure tourism sector.

Adventure sports in the state are experiencing a significant boom, attracting thrill-seekers with activities such as paragliding, river rafting, bungee jumping and ziplining. Despite this growth, serious concerns are emerging regarding safety standards and regulatory oversight. While only seven zipline operators are registered, local sources estimate that over 25 ziplines and river-crossing setups are currently operating—many without approval or technical verification.

“The tourism department is already stretched thin,” said Lal, noting that his team is responsible not only for adventure tourism but also for monitoring hospitality units, travel agencies, and various tourist site development projects. Ensuring rigorous oversight at every adventure sport facility, particularly in remote and mountainous areas, remains a significant challenge.

Though a technical committee exists to inspect adventure equipment and enforce mandatory medical checks, the fragmented and fast-paced expansion of such activities has made oversight insufficient. Past fatal accidents—often circulated widely through social media—underscore the risks posed by unregistered and inadequately trained operators.

Tourism consultant Mohan Singh emphasised the need for stronger enforcement through multi-departmental coordination involving police, disaster management authorities and local governance. He also advocated for self-regulatory frameworks, encouraging operator accountability via community oversight, certification systems and regular training.

While the Tourism Department has long pushed for reforms—stricter licensing, digital monitoring and better infrastructure—these efforts have seen limited implementation, primarily due to staffing shortages and the absence of a dedicated enforcement unit. As Himachal Pradesh continues marketing itself as an adventure tourism hotspot, urgent systemic reforms are needed to ensure visitor safety keeps pace with growing demand.

Himachal Tribune