Kamshet Paragliding Site Under Threat: Power Line Development Risks India’s Premier Flying Destination

The paragliding community in India is facing a critical situation. Kamshet, one of South Asia’s most beloved paragliding destinations, is under threat from proposed power line development near Tower Hill – a site that has been the heart of Indian free flight for decades.

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The Crisis at Tower Hill

Tower Hill isn’t just another flying site. It’s the **only east-facing launch** in the Kamshet region, making it irreplaceable for morning flights when thermals gently rise off the sun-warmed slopes. The proposed power line installation near its base would effectively end flying here forever.

Sanjay Rao, pioneer of Indian paragliding and founder of Fly Nirvana school, isn’t mincing words: *”The situation is grim. If it happens it will end flying at Tower Hill and will be a disaster for the local economy.”*

A peaceful protest is planned for Sunday, 17 May, with pilots gathering to make their voices heard. A petition is circulating within the community, calling for authorities to reconsider the power line route.

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Why Kamshet Matters

Located about 100km east of Mumbai, Kamshet has been the **training capital of India** since the 1990s. The landscape is quintessentially subcontinental – black volcanic cliffs rising from sweeping hills, dotted with ancient lakes and surrounded by rural villages.

What makes Kamshet special:

**Consistent, smooth conditions** ideal for beginners

**Afternoon thermal cycles** that offer hours of soaring

**XC potential** for advancing pilots

**Thriving tandem economy** supporting local families

**Winter escape** for European pilots (November to March)

Multiple schools operate here, training pilots from Mumbai, Pune, and beyond. The tandem industry alone supports countless local livelihoods – drivers, guesthouse owners, restaurant workers, and instructors.

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Safety Implications

The petition highlights the core issue: *”Paragliding is a sport that requires open, hazard-free airspace.”*

Power lines near a launch site create:

**Collision risk** during takeoff and landing

**Turbulence** from wire structures

**Restricted maneuvering space** when conditions change

**Psychological pressure** on already-nervous students

For a training site where beginners take their first flights, this is unacceptable risk.

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International Reputation at Stake

Kamshet has spent decades building its name as a world-class destination. European pilots flock here each winter, escaping the cold for reliable flying conditions. The site has featured in international competitions and countless free flight publications.

Losing Tower Hill would:

Reduce Kamshet’s flying options by a critical site

Damage India’s reputation in the global paragliding community

Impact winter tourism revenue

Force schools to relocate or close

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How to Help

The paragliding community is small but global. When one site is threatened, pilots everywhere feel it.

**Sign the petition**: https://c.org/8vXB95Sfkd

Whether you’ve flown Kamshet yourself, dream of visiting, or simply believe in protecting flying sites worldwide – your signature matters.

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Protecting Flying Sites: A Global Challenge

Kamshet’s struggle isn’t isolated. Flying sites worldwide face similar threats from development, land use changes, and infrastructure projects. From the Alps to the Andes, pilots are increasingly finding their beloved launches at risk.

This is why organizations and individuals work tirelessly to:

Negotiate with landowners and authorities

Document site history and economic impact

Build coalitions with local communities

Create legal protections where possible

When you travel to fly, you’re not just a tourist – you’re part of a global community that supports these efforts. Choosing to fly with local schools, staying in local accommodation, and respecting local communities all contribute to the economic case for preserving flying sites.

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*For more information about Kamshet and to support the campaign, visit [Fly Nirvana](https://www.flynirvana.com/).*

*Photo: Sunith Rao paragliding at Kamshet*