The harrowing ziplining accident in Manali has sparked serious concerns over safety lapses in India’s adventure tourism sector. Here's a full account of the incident and its larger implications:
Incident Summary:
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On June 8, during a family vacation in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, 10-year-old Trisha Bijwe from Nagpur fell approximately 30 feet into a gorge while ziplining at a local tourist facility.
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The zipline cable snapped mid-air, causing the child to plunge to the rocky terrain below.
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Trisha sustained multiple leg fractures and is currently in critical condition.
Aftermath and Medical Response:
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Initially treated in Manali, Trisha was later transferred to a hospital in Chandigarh, and is now undergoing advanced care in Nagpur.
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The family alleges there was a lack of trained staff and no immediate medical response at the site of the incident.
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Her condition remains serious, according to family updates.
Family's Allegations:
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Prafulla and Mrs. Bijwe, Trisha’s parents, have publicly accused the zipline operator of gross negligence.
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A video shared by the family reportedly shows the moment the harness failed, raising questions about the quality of equipment and safety checks.
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They are demanding:
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Immediate accountability from the adventure company.
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Government intervention for stricter regulation and enforcement of safety standards.
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Adventure Tourism Safety Concerns:
This incident underscores a wider problem:
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Adventure sports in India, especially in tourist hubs like Manali, Rishikesh, and Goa, are often poorly regulated.
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Many operators lack:
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Certified equipment
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Trained personnel
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Emergency protocols
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The absence of a national safety authority to inspect and audit adventure tourism setups is a glaring gap.
Government Action Needed:
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Authorities in Himachal Pradesh are under growing pressure to:
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Investigate the operator and revoke licenses if found guilty of negligence.
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Enforce mandatory safety audits at all adventure activity sites.
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Establish a helpline and insurance mechanism for tourists.
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The Tourism Ministry of India may also be compelled to introduce uniform national guidelines for ziplining, paragliding, rafting, and other high-risk activities.
The Road Ahead:
The Bijwe family’s tragedy has reignited calls for:
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Accountability in tourism safety
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Justice for victims of adventure mishaps
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Reform at the regulatory level to protect thousands of domestic and international tourists who visit Himalayan adventure hubs each year.
