India’s first paragliding school 

India’s first paragliding school was inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on January 25, 2025, at Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh.

• The facility was constructed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
• Built at a cost of ₹9 crore, the center was completed three years ago but faced delays due to the absence of paragliding regulations.
• The complex includes office rooms, lecture halls, conference rooms, dormitories, single-bed rooms, a dining hall, and a modern kitchen.
• The institute will be jointly managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC)and the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali.
• The school aims to train over 100 youths annually in paragliding.