Bir-Billing, one of the famous tourist destinations located 40 km from Palampur and the world’s top paragliding sites, is struggling with serious consequences of illegal and unplanned construction. These uncontrolled constructions are not only impairing the natural beauty of the region, but also endangering its global reputation. The state government established the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) 15 years ago to regulate construction activities, but it has failed to a large extent to prevent uncontrolled growth. The proliferation of unauthorized buildings has narrowed local roads and villages, making it difficult for both vehicles and pedestrians. Residents of Bir-Billing blame strict Town and Country Planning (TCP) laws and dull response time for the approval for an increase in illegal construction. Many site plan plans have been stopped due to red tape and official hurdles, many residents have reported long waiting after submitting their plans to the TCP office without approval. This inertia of bureaucracy has inadvertently promoted the rise of unauthorized structures.
The uncontrolled expansion has also reduced the open areas to a large extent in this picturesque hill resort, causing a serious threat to the safety of paragliding enthusiasts. In recent years, the sudden influx of tourists has been flooded with hotels, shops and restaurants, causing hardly any open space for safe landing. Random construction near the landing site, unfair parking has further increased these concerns
