On Thursday, 29 January 2026, two paraglider pilots were successfully rescued by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) after losing control mid-air and plunging into Tehri Lake during the International Acro Festival & SIV Championship 2026.

The incident occurred when the pilots’ gliders reportedly became entangled during an acrobatic manoeuvre, causing them to fall directly into the water.

Special rescue teams, already stationed at the lake as a precautionary measure, reached the pilots within minutes and pulled them to safety.

While both pilots were unharmed and cleared after a preliminary medical assessment, the event organisers have since implemented heightened safety checks for the final day of the competition.

Tehri Acro Festival

The Tehri International Acro Festival & SIV Championship 2026, held from 27 to 30 January, is a flagship event under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to establish Uttarakhand as a premier adventure sports hub.

The competition features 57 elite pilots from 11 countries, including 25 international participants, performing high-risk SIV (Simulation d’Incident en Vol) and acrobatic routines. This year, the festival introduced innovative AI-based digital experiences, allowing visitors to scan QR codes for virtual views of the Garhwal Himalayas.

However, the inherent dangers of the sport were highlighted earlier in the event when another pilot, Hardik Kumar from Haryana, sustained injuries during a take-off accident at Pratapnagar, requiring an emergency evacuation to AIIMS Rishikesh.

Rapid Response

The efficiency of the rescue operation was attributed to the pre-deployment of SDRF motorboats and specialised divers across Tehri Lake and the Koti Colony area.

After being safely brought to the shore, both pilots received first aid and underwent a medical examination before being moved to a secure location.

The SDRF, led by Chief Constable Rakesh Rawat, has been on 24-hour alert throughout the four-day event, emphasizing that “zero response time” is critical in water-based aerial mishaps where cold temperatures and heavy equipment can quickly lead to drowning.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

At The Logical Indian, we believe that while the push for world-class adventure tourism is commendable, the safety of participants must always remain the ultimate priority.

The successful rescue of these pilots is a testament to the professionalism of our disaster response forces, but it also serves as a sobering reminder that nature and gravity are unpredictable.

We advocate for a culture of “Safety First,” where technological innovation is matched by rigorous on-ground emergency preparedness. As India seeks to put Tehri on the global adventure map, it is these silent guardians like the SDRF who ensure that the spirit of daring does not turn into a story of tragedy. 

News in Q&A

1. What happened at Tehri Lake during the festival? Two paragliders lost control mid-air and fell into the lake during the Acro Festival on 29 January.

2. How were the pilots saved? SDRF rescue teams already stationed at the lake reached them via motorboats within minutes and pulled them out safely.

3. Were there any injuries? The two pilots involved in the lake crash were unharmed, though another pilot was injured earlier in the week during a separate take-off accident.

4. Who is participating in the festival? 57 pilots from 11 different countries are taking part in the four-day international competition.

5. What is the significance of the Tehri Acro Festival? It is a major initiative by the Uttarakhand government to promote the state as a world-class destination for adventure sports and aerial acrobatics.