Himachal Pradesh is making all preparations for hosting the mega sporting event Paragliding World Cup at Billing on the panoramic mountain range on the border of Mandi and Kangra districts.
The 12-day event will draw around 300 pilots from home and abroad. In India Billing has been a major centre for the para- gliders from across the world. The first event was held in 1984 at Billing in the scenic Dhaula Dhar Range. Since then Billing has emerged as the hub of aero sports.
Among the ten best taking off sites in the world, Billing has been selected as the best site due to its climate, proximity to the national capital New Delhi which is about 500 kms from Billing, accessibility by train, road and air. The Kangra Airport is only 40 km from Bir. For all these reasons the Apex body of the paragliding world cup France has selected Billing of India (Himachal Pradesh) as the most ideal site in the world for paragliding.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur claimed that the state government had already developed world class excellent infrastructure in the twin villages. The take off capacity has been increased to 50 pilots. The network of roads has been improved. The amenities of international standards have been provided.
Nature has also bestowed Billing with a cluster of thermals which help para gliders gain heights. In Billing, pilots can easily gain a height of 4500 meters due to several thermal pockets. They can easily fly from one thermal to another covering a distance of 100 kms. Most of the flying paths are along the ridge and roads making it convenient for evacuation during emergency.
The helicopters and heli-ambulances are stationed in Billing to immediately rescue injured persons.
The Chief Minister said the government would leave no stone unturned to develop this place as the hub of aero activities in the world with the help of the central government.