This marks the fifth helicopter-related incident on the pilgrimage route within just over a month, prompting intense criticism from opposition figures and the general populace.
On June 7, a Kestrel Aviation helicopter heading to Kedarnath was forced to make an emergency landing on a highway in Rudraprayag district due to a technical issue shortly after takeoff. The aircraft landed hard near residential areas, damaging a parked vehicle with its tail rotor. Thankfully, everyone aboard, including the pilot, remained unharmed.
Also read | Kedarnath chopper crash: 7 dead, DGCA halts flights, initiates inquiry
Previously, on May 8, another private chopper crashed while en route to Gangotri near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district, resulting in six fatalities—comprised of five female pilgrims and the pilot—and leaving one male passenger severely injured.
In a different incident on May 12, a helicopter transporting pilgrims from Badrinath to Sersi made an emergency landing in a school playground in Ukhimath due to poor visibility. No injuries were reported, and the flight continued an hour later when conditions improved.
On May 17, an AIIMS Rishikesh heli ambulance crash-landed near the Kedarnath helipad because of damage to its rear section. The doctor, pilot, and medical staff member onboard were unharmed.
“This marks the fifth accident involving a chopper on the Char Dham Yatra route within less than one-and-a-half months since the commencement of the pilgrimage this year,” remarked Suryakant Dhasmana, Vice-President of the Uttarakhand Congress.
Also read | In Pics: The aftermath of the Kedarnath chopper crash that killed seven
He criticized the administration, stating: “This indicates that the state government lacks control over the aviation companies operating on the route. There is no Standard Operating Procedure for chopper operations. In their relentless pursuit of profit, the helicopter companies have disregarded all safety precautions. There is no limit on the number of flights they conduct daily.”
Social activist Anoop Nautiyal echoed these sentiments, questioning the government’s dedication to safety reforms. “Just four days ago, it was announced that strict norms would govern helicopter operations—limiting capacity to 3-4 passengers instead of 5-6. Yet, only days later, we witnessed another tragic helicopter accident claiming seven lives, including the pilot,” he stated.
“If the system isn’t meant to change, why deceive the public? Will anyone responsible for endangering lives face suspension? Will accountability be established? Will actions be taken to curb helicopter operations following five accidents in over a month, or will such incidents persist?” Nautiyal inquired.
In response to Sunday’s fatal crash, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called for an emergency meeting and announced that helicopter services along the Yatra route would be suspended for two days.
“Operations will only recommence once the safety of all passengers is assured. The safety of the Yatris must not be compromised,” declared the Chief Minister.
Dhami instructed the formation of a committee comprising technical experts, led by the Chief Secretary, to draft a stringent Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all helicopter services in the state. This SOP will require thorough technical checks and compliance with rigorous safety standards.
An official statement mentioned that the committee would ensure a comprehensive review of all aspects of helicopter operations—technical, safety, and procedural—to align them with best practices.
Additionally, Dhami highlighted the importance of weather monitoring prior to flights and established an investigative committee to examine Sunday’s crash as well as all previous incidents this season.
