On June 8, 2025, a routine family vacation in Manali turned harrowing for 12‑year‑old Nagpur resident Trisha Bijwe. Midway through a popular zipline over the Beas River near Nehru Kund, the cable snapped, plunging her nearly 30 feet onto jagged rocks below. The shocking incident has reignited urgent discussions regarding the safety and regulatory oversight of adventure tourism across Himachal Pradesh and elsewhere. This report unpacks the event in depth, blending factual accuracy with human insight.
The Incident: What Exactly Happened
Trisha was harnessed and about to enjoy a scenic ride when the zipline cable catastrophically failed. Eyewitnesses describe a heart‑stopping moment: she hurtled down, the harness swinging lifelessly. Within seconds, fellow tourists and staff rushed to pull her from the gorge. She endured multiple fractures in legs and arms and was quickly stabilized before emergency services arrived.
The Timeline of Key Events
- June 8, morning: Trisha boards the zipline at a popular adventure park in Manali.
- June 8, during ride: Cable snaps — she suffers a 30‑foot fall onto rocks below.
- Moments later: Rushed to Mission Hospital, Manali, with life‑threatening injuries.
- Following days: Transferred to PGIMER Chandigarh for specialized orthopedic care.
- June 14: Released by Mission Hospital; transported back to Nagpur for continued treatment.
- June 15–16: Video goes viral; public outrage mounts, triggering scrutiny from authorities and media.
Trisha’s Condition and Treatment Update
Trisha underwent delicate surgery to address fractures in both legs and internal injuries. Doctors confirmed that while she remains in serious but stable condition, recovery will be prolonged and involve extensive physiotherapy. Medical experts stress the importance of monitoring for post‑traumatic stress and pain management as part of her rehab plan.
Family’s Response and Decision
Led by her father, Prafull Bijwe, the family opted for a private settlement rather than filing an FIR. Their primary demand: structural reform. They've called for rigorous enforcement of safety laws, operator accountability, and preventive transparency. Publicly, they’ve appealed to the government: no family should face such heartbreak due to negligence.
Viral Video and Public Reaction
The video's harrowing visuals sparked national indignation. On social media, users called for:
- Comprehensive regulatory standards for all zipline operators.
- Compulsory safety certifications and clear expiry dates stamped on all gear.
- Certified training programs for every staff member operating ziplines.
- Real‑time logs and incident reporting systems.
The incident fed into broader fears that rapid tourism development is often unchecked, with safety protocols becoming an afterthought.
Official Involvement and Investigation
Following overwhelming public pressure, the Tourism Department issued a formal show-cause notice to the zipline operator. DSP K.D. Sharma confirmed that while no FIR has been registered, police are conducting a thorough review of safety compliance. Investigations are centered on:
- Validity of safety certifications and equipment logs.
- Scheduled maintenance records for cables, harnesses, pulleys.
- Staff training histories and emergency response preparedness.
The gear has been seized for forensic examination, and authorities are preparing a detailed report to guide future policy.
Industry‑Wide Safety Risks
Experts underline that this incident is not isolated. Himachal Pradesh’s adventure tourism — including paragliding, rafting, and ziplines — has seen several near-misses over the past five years. Lax licensing, sporadic audits, and aging equipment create systemic vulnerabilities. Stakeholders now insist on mandatory third-party inspections and regular re-certification to minimize future risks.
How Zipline Safety Can Fail
Risk factors typically include:
- Cable fatigue: Metals weaken over time due to stress, weather, or corrosion.
- Faulty hardware: Worn pulleys or compromised harnesses compromise load distribution.
- Insufficient testing: Lack of weight/load tests increases failure risks under real-use scenarios.
- Broken routines: Without scheduled inspections and mock drills, early signs of wear go unnoticed.
Even one neglected factor can trigger cascading failure with tragic consequences.
Best Practices for Zipline Safety
For operators:
- Use only gear certified by accredited agencies and stamped with clear expiry dates.
- Conduct pre‑operation safety checks daily, with documented logs.
- Train all staff in routine operation, weight limits, emergency retrieval, and first aid.
- Restrict minors and ensure proper parental consent documentation.
For tourists:
- Always ask about the last maintenance date.
- Check visible credentials of staff and look for official licenses.
- Confirm that operators carry valid insurance for equipment failures and injuries.
- Walk away if safety signage or oversight appears superficial or missing.
Learning from Global Examples
Internationally, countries like Canada and the United States mandate:
- Independent third‑party inspections before seasonal launches.
- Compulsory daily logbooks of operations and 'near-miss' incidents.
- Comprehensive liability insurance coverage for participants.
- Mandatory emergency evacuation drills with real-time staff assessments.
India could adapt these proven frameworks to enhance adventure tourism safety quickly and sustainably.
What Trisha’s Family Wants
The Bijwe family is calling for systemic reforms:
- A transparent judicial or governmental inquiry into safety lapses.
- Public implementation of enforced safety reforms.
- Guarantees that no other child endures similar trauma.
Although they didn’t pursue legal action, their demand is for an accountable, safer future — not revenge.
Long‑Term Impact on Adventure Tourism
Post‑incident, adventure operators are expected to showcase transparent safety documentation, insurance confirmation, and training certifications. Tourists increasingly seek these reassurances before booking. This tragedy could act as a catalyst, fostering:
- Mandatory state-level certification for adventure activities.
- Insurance mandates covering both equipment failure and personal injuries.
- An emerging market for accredited safety training institutions and audit services.
Conclusion
The Manali zipline tragedy — a 30‑foot fall by 12‑year‑old Trisha Bijwe due to a snapped cable — serves as a sobering wake‑up call. The incident underscores that exhilarating experiences must never come at the cost of fundamental safety protocols. As Trisha recovers, her story is compelling a shift in mindset: operator accountability, regulatory vigilance, and visitor safety must take priority. May this incident mark a turning point toward safer, sustainable adventure tourism in India.
Report by Toofan Express