In the wake of the tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand on Sunday, which claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including the pilot and a toddler, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to offer his condolences and assure full cooperation from the central government. The incident occurred near Gaurikund in the Rudraprayag district, casting a shadow over the ongoing Char Dham Yatra.
While currently in Cyprus as part of a three-nation tour, PM Modi immediately contacted CM Dhami to express his grief and gather details about the unfortunate event. Sources indicate that the Prime Minister emphasized the Centre's commitment to providing all necessary assistance to the state government in rescue and relief operations, as well as in investigating the cause of the crash.
The Uttarakhand government has responded swiftly to the tragedy. CM Dhami has ordered a high-level probe into the incident and has temporarily suspended helicopter services along the Char Dham Yatra route for two days. This suspension aims to allow for a thorough safety review and the implementation of stricter Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for helicopter operations in the region.
Preliminary investigations suggest that adverse weather conditions, including dense fog and zero visibility, may have been a significant contributing factor to the crash. According to Rudraprayag district disaster management officer Nandan Singh Rajwar, the helicopter is believed to have flown into dense fog, drastically reducing pilot visibility and contributing to a loss of control. The aircraft, operated by Aryan Aviation, was en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it crashed in a remote, forested area above Gauri Mai Khark.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has also taken immediate action, suspending Aryan Aviation's operations for the Char Dham Yatra. Furthermore, licenses of two pilots from Trans Bharat Aviation have been suspended for six months for flying under similar unsuitable weather conditions.
CM Dhami has stressed that protecting lives is the government's top priority and has vowed strict action against any negligence. He has directed officials to formulate a comprehensive SOP for helicopter operations and establish a command and coordination center in Dehradun for enhanced oversight. This center will involve officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and private helicopter operators.
The Chief Minister has also called for the immediate installation of advanced weather forecasting systems in the Himalayan region and has emphasized that only experienced pilots should be permitted to fly in these challenging high-altitude areas.
This recent crash marks the fifth helicopter accident along the Char Dham route since the pilgrimage began on April 30, raising serious questions about flight safety in the region. Past incidents have been attributed to a combination of factors, including bad weather, technical faults, and potential safety lapses. The Uttarakhand government is now under pressure to address these concerns and ensure the safety of pilgrims who rely on helicopter services to access the revered shrines.
