HC takes note of Kedar crash, seeks state response
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand high court (HC) on Monday took suo motu cognisance of media reports on the recent helicopter crash near Gaurikund on the Kedarnath route, which claimed the lives of seven people, including a toddler, five pilgrims and the pilot.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Alok Kumar Verma sought an explanation from the state administration regarding the recurring helicopter accidents and prevailing safety lapses in the Char Dham region.
Chief Standing Counsel Chandrashekhar Rawat informed the court that the state govt had suspended all helicopter services related to the Char Dham Yatra following the latest crash as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
During the proceedings, the court observed that at least one helicopter crash occurs annually during the Char Dham Yatra and expressed concern over the persistent safety risks associated with aviation operations in the region.
Stressing the need for a comprehensive policy on helicopter operations, the court noted that the high-altitude Himalayan terrain is subject to rapidly changing weather conditions and that the post-monsoon dryness typical of the region may pose additional operational challenges.
It emphasised that helicopter operators must be thoroughly familiar with both mountainous and lowland weather and visibility patterns.
The June 15 crash marks the fifth such incident involving helicopters on the Char Dham route in the past 39 days. On June 7, a Kestrel Aviation helicopter carrying six pilgrims crash-landed on the Guptkashi-Gaurikund highway near Barasu. The pilot sustained injuries, but all passengers were unharmed.
Authorities suspect a technical snag led to the emergency landing.
Earlier, on May 17, a Sanjeevani air ambulance operated by AIIMS-Rishikesh crash-landed near the Kedarnath helipad after its tail struck the ground during landing. The pilot, a doctor, and a nurse onboard escaped unhurt. Officials said the helicopter attempted to land on an adjacent ground due to a technical issue.
On May 12, a helicopter returning from Badrinath to Sersi made an emergency landing on the grounds of a school in Ukhimath due to poor visibility. No casualties were reported.
On May 8, when a chopper operated by Aero Trans Service Pvt Ltd crashed near Gangnani in Uttarkashi district, killing six people, including five pilgrims and the pilot, and injuring one passenger.
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