‘Paragliding stopped for investors' meet in Himachal Pradesh'

DHARAMSHALA: In another blow to the international destination of paragliding in Himachal Pradesh at Bir, the authorities have issued strict directions to the paragliding associations to stop paragliding for the global investor meet. Tourism directorate office has issued a notification in this regard.
Bir–Billing in Kangra district, is an international destination for paragliding. It is already facing a hit as no event is being organized for paragliding this year.About 150 flyers from various countries have so far arrived at Bir for paragliding.
Sunayna Sharma, deputy director tourism has asked the paragliding associations to stop paragliding from November 6th to 8th following the investors' meet.
“The meet will be attended by national and international dignitaries and therefore associations are directed to stop paragliding,” the director told paragliding associations through a written communication.
Fearing consequences, the local shopkeepers requesting anonymity have said that government is trying to promote investment at the cost of damaging local economy of the area.
"Not even a single event organized has been organised this year. It was due to the world cup and accuracy cups of paragliding that this destination has come to the global map," said one of the senior members of business community of Bir.
Inquiries revealed that number of flyers have also decreased this year. It was only due to international championships that this destination got promoted. This year no such event is being organized because of investors' meet.
The global investor meet is scheduled for November 7 and 8 this month. Ruling BJP has said that eight Uunion ministers and Prime Minister will be attending the meet. Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur has said that dignitaries are coming from more than 20 countries.