POKHARA, June 12: Around 3 PM on Wednesday, two paragliders crashed into Fewa Lake. Rescue teams promptly responded and safely rescued both pilots and the Indian tourists onboard.
Although there were no casualties, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), which regulates aviation services in the country, suspended the involved pilots from further flights. CAAN also directed the Nepal Air Sports Association (NAA), the umbrella organization for paragliding operators, to investigate the incident and submit a detailed report within three days.
The incident occurred at Khapaundi, Pokhara-18, when the paragliders lost control and crashed into the middle of the lake. The Armed Police Force Nepal’s 24th Battalion rescue team, stationed at the Fewa Rescue Tower, and the Nepal Police rescue unit, equipped with motorboats, conducted the rescue operation, according to Anil KC, Chairman of NAA.
KC stated that the paragliding accident involved Indian tourists Aklesh Yadav (41) and Chandan Kumar Patel (35), both from Banaras. Pilots Milan Shah of Agni Paragliding Company and Biswas Adhikari of Happy Fly Paragliding Company were operating the flights. CAAN has suspended both pilots until further notice.
According to KC, the pilots executed a water landing after being caught in a sudden gust of wind. He noted that had they landed on power lines, trees, or hard ground, the outcome could have been much worse. The pilots' alertness allowed for a safe emergency landing in the lake.
KC also warned that the risk of such incidents is higher from May to July due to unpredictable weather patterns and sudden storms.
Gyanendra Bhul, Head of CAAN’s Entertainment Aviation Division, said preliminary findings indicate pilot error as the cause of the incident. He explained that the paraglider was flown outside the designated airspace, where it encountered a sudden shift in air pressure, leading to the crash.
Bhul further stated that the pilot failed to account for seasonal challenges. Although landing was permitted in the upper section of Fewa Lake, the pilot did not follow the approved flight route. The authority is treating the incident seriously and has requested a full report within three days.
In response, CAAN has begun enforcing stricter regulations on paragliding operations in Pokhara. Citing the high number of operators and unhealthy competition that may compromise safety, the authority has launched a regulatory crackdown. Currently, 57 companies hold paragliding permits in Pokhara, employing around 260 pilots and conducting approximately 140 flights daily.
CAAN has also directed the Air Sports Association to station at least two rescue boats—including one motorboat—along the lake’s shore during paragliding hours. In addition, it has mandated regular drug and alcohol testing for pilots and required companies to publicly disclose passenger fees.
"Since landings are allowed near the lake, proper rescue arrangements are essential," Bhul said. "We issued instructions for boats to be arranged, and the incident occurred the very next day."
Bhul also revealed that CAAN is drafting a policy to merge paragliding companies to better regulate the sector. "The current system lacks professionalism," he said. "With so many operators, effective management is difficult. A clear policy is necessary to shift from an agent-driven approach to a more professional one."