Tehri Acro Festival: Mid-Air Paragliding Mishap Avoided; Two Pilots Rescued from Lake by SDRF

Tehri, Uttarakhand: A major accident was narrowly averted during the Acro Festival and SIV Championship 2026 in Tehri, as two paragliding pilots lost balance mid-air and plunged into Tehri Lake. Thanks to the swift response of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), both pilots were rescued safely.

The incident occurred at the Tehri Lake area, where athletes from India and abroad were performing aerobatic paragliding during the three- to four-day international event. Promoted by the Tourism Department, the festival features thrilling flights over one of Asia’s largest reservoir lakes.

Mid-Air Loss of Balance
According to reports, the pilots suddenly lost control, either due to technical issues or balance disruption, causing their paragliders to become unstable and descend into the lake. A video circulating on social media shows the pilots falling from the sky while SDRF rescue boats rush to their aid.

Lives Saved by SDRF
For safety, SDRF special rescue teams were on alert in the Pratappnagar area and on Tehri Lake throughout the event. Immediately after the mishap, the team reached the pilots and carried out a coordinated rescue operation, bringing them safely to shore. Preliminary checks confirmed that both pilots were unharmed and they were discharged after necessary medical examinations.

Enhanced Safety Measures
The Acro Festival and SIV Championship 2026 host over 57 world-class paragliders. Following the incident, security measures have been further strengthened to ensure the remaining events proceed without risk. The prompt action and vigilance of the SDRF have been widely appreciated.