Team Herald
PANJIM: Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte clarified that paragliding activities in Goa have been temporarily suspended, not banned.
Speaking to reporters, Khaunte explained that organisers must submit the required documents for verification. If no irregularities are found, the department will grant permission for operations to resume.
"There is a clear difference between a ban and a suspension. We have only suspended paragliding activities for the time being," he said.
"Paragliding is an adventurous, extreme sport. Even with all the precautions in place, accidents can still occur. However, we are firm in our commitment to ensuring that proper regulations are in place. We have stated that anyone engaged in paragliding activities must present the necessary permissions. If their documentation is in order, they will be allowed to continue operations as usual," Khaunte added.
"We are very clear: we want to ensure that all activities are safe and secure for the people of Goa," he concluded.
The suspension followed the tragic deaths of two individuals, including a female tourist from Maharashtra. The victims were identified as Shivani Dabale and Suman Nepali, a paragliding pilot. In response, the tourism department ordered the suspension of all paragliding activities across Goa until further notice.
The clarification comes after Calangute MLA Michael Lobo opposed an outright ban on paragliding in Goa, instead calling for more stringent safety regulations to be enforced.
Meanwhile, Shekhar Raizada, the owner of Hike 'n' Fly, the company running the paragliding activity, has been sent to 14 days of judicial custody. The body of Suman Nepali has been handed over to his family for final rites.