October 20: Following a freak accident in Pokhara some days ago, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has formed a high-level probe committee to study the safety of paragliding in Nepal.

The aviation governing body of Nepal on Wednesday formed the probe committee headed by its deputy director general Hansraj Pandey after the accident killed a pilot of Tribhuvan Army Club during the ongoing Ninth National Games. CAAN had indefinitely banned paragliding across the country following the accident that occurred earlier this week.

CAAN has made it clear that it will reopen paragliding based on suggestions provided by the probe committee.

CAAN Spokesperson Jagannath Niraula informed that the committee will submit its report as soon as possible. “A decision will be taken to reopen paragliding after receiving the report,” said Niraula.

He argued that the committee has been formed to provide suggestions for proper management of paragliding and to ensure safety of the pilots and tandem divers.

CAAN had banned all kinds of paragliding activities including sporting competitions, recreation and commercial flights after Nishim Thapa of TAC succumbed to injuries after falling off his glider during a competition on October 17.

Meanwhile, CAAN also received a report from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) which states that the aviation safety rate of Nepal has increased to 70.10 percent. Spokesperson Niraula said that CAAN is committed to improve the aviation safety rate.

ICAO had conducted an audit of aviation safety of Nepal in April. The final report of the audit states that Nepal has made a significant improvement in aviation safety. As per the report, Nepal ranks among the top countries in Asia in terms of aviation safety.