Paragliding Accident at Tehri Lake: How SDRF’s Lightning Rescue Saved Two Pilots Mid-Air

Mid-air chaos at Uttarakhand's Tehri: 2 paragliders crash into lake, SDRF beats the clock; video

It was supposed to be a day of adrenaline, precision, and aerial artistry. Instead, it turned into a heart-stopping moment that could have ended in tragedy—were it not for the razor-sharp readiness of Uttarakhand’s disaster response force.

On Friday, January 30, 2026, during the high-profile Acro Festival & SIV (Simulated In-Flight) Championship at Tehri Lake in Uttarakhand, two experienced paraglider pilots lost control mid-air and crashed into the icy waters below. The incident, captured on video and now widely shared online, shows the terrifying plunge—and the astonishingly fast rescue that followed [[1]].

What makes this event remarkable isn’t just the accident itself, but how a well-coordinated safety protocol turned a potential disaster into a textbook example of emergency preparedness. At the center of it all? The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)—already stationed on the lake, ready to act before the pilots even hit the water.

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What Happened During the Paragliding Accident at Tehri?

The Acro Festival, a premier event for advanced paragliding maneuvers, draws elite pilots from across India and abroad. On this day, participants were performing complex acrobatic routines over the vast expanse of Tehri Lake—a man-made reservoir nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, known for its stable thermals and scenic beauty.

According to eyewitnesses and event organizers, two pilots encountered sudden turbulence or a wing collapse during their descent, causing them to lose lift and spiral uncontrollably into the lake [[1]]. The impact was violent, and both disappeared beneath the surface momentarily.

But within seconds, SDRF personnel in speedboats—already deployed as part of mandatory safety measures—raced toward the splash zones. Divers jumped in, secured the pilots, and hauled them aboard. Medical teams on standby confirmed both individuals were conscious, breathing, and completely unharmed beyond minor shock [[2]].

SDRF Rescue Operation: A Masterclass in Preparedness

This wasn’t luck. It was planning.

For high-risk adventure events like the Acro Festival, Uttarakhand’s authorities mandate a multi-layered safety net:

  • Pre-deployed SDRF boats stationed directly under flight paths.
  • Trained divers and medics on shore with rapid-response gear.
  • Real-time weather monitoring to halt flights if conditions deteriorate.
  • Mandatory pilot briefings on emergency procedures and water landing protocols.

“The SDRF’s presence is non-negotiable at any major paragliding event near Tehri,” said a senior official from the Uttarakhand Tourism Department. “After past incidents, we’ve made water rescues a core part of our risk mitigation strategy.”

This proactive approach aligns with global best practices. According to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world governing body for air sports, water landings account for nearly 12% of paragliding emergencies—and immediate extraction is critical to prevent hypothermia or drowning [[3]].

Why Tehri Lake Is a Hotspot for Paragliding

Tehri has emerged as one of India’s top destinations for paragliding, rivaling Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh. Its unique geography offers a rare combination: steep launch sites from surrounding hills and a massive, obstacle-free water landing zone.

For pilots practicing SIV (a training method where they simulate in-flight emergencies like collapses or spins), the lake provides a safe “cushion” for controlled crashes. This makes it ideal for advanced training—but also inherently risky without proper safeguards.

[INTERNAL_LINK:best-paragliding-spots-in-india] Compared to other locations, Tehri’s infrastructure for adventure tourism has grown rapidly, with certified schools, equipment rentals, and government-backed safety audits becoming standard.

Safety Protocols at Indian Adventure Sports Events

The Tehri incident highlights a broader shift in India’s approach to adventure sports regulation. While once loosely governed, events like national paragliding championships now require:

  1. Approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and local district administration.
  2. On-site presence of NDRF/SDRF or equivalent rescue units.
  3. Third-party insurance coverage for all participants.
  4. Use of GPS trackers and emergency beacons for all flying pilots.

Still, gaps remain. Independent experts argue that while elite competitions are well-protected, casual tandem joyrides for tourists often lack the same rigor—a concern echoed by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation [[4]].

Lessons from the Tehri Paragliding Incident

The key takeaway? Preparation saves lives.

The paragliding accident at Tehri could have been catastrophic. But because organizers anticipated the worst—and invested in real-time rescue capabilities—the outcome was not just safe, but exemplary. It’s a model other adventure hubs in India should replicate.

For thrill-seekers, the message is clear: always verify that your operator follows official safety guidelines, uses certified equipment, and has emergency plans in place. And for policymakers, this event proves that when risk is respected, adventure can thrive without tragedy.

Final Summary

A mid-air malfunction during the Acro Festival led to a dramatic paragliding accident at Tehri, but thanks to the ever-ready SDRF, both pilots were rescued within minutes and suffered no injuries. The incident underscores the critical importance of pre-deployed emergency teams at high-risk adventure sports events and sets a new benchmark for safety in India’s growing adventure tourism sector.

Sources

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