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Hindustan Times
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Uttarakhand sets up committee to prepare SOP for safe operation of choppers
DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand government has set up a committee to prepare standard operating procedures (SOP) for the operation of helicopter service in the state. The committee, which has been constituted against the backdrop of 13 deaths in five incidents involving choppers over the last six weeks, will be headed by state home secretary Shailesh Bagauli. It will submit its report by August 15. Bagauli said the committee will analyse the causes of helicopter accidents and prepare a comprehensive report outlining the necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. It will also come up with recommendations regarding manpower, equipment, and administrative reforms for Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) and review the existing SOPs formulated by the state's aviation authority. The panel is expected to update the SOP and give suggestions to strengthen the weather information and communication system. The committee will also recommend measures to enhance the existing air traffic management system in the state. A Bell 407 helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, crashed en route to Guptkashi from the Kedarnath shrine on June 15 amid poor visibility in the region. It was the fifth helicopter accident since the Char Dham Yatra began on April 30 this year. The crash highlighted safety concerns over helicopter operations serving the Char Dham pilgrimage route, which includes four sacred Hindu temples. The routes see tens of thousands of pilgrims annually, many using helicopters to navigate the treacherous mountain terrain. According to data released by the state government, 49,247 devotees have used heli services Char Dham yatra this year. Eight companies are operating from nine helipads this season. The civil aviation ministry said preliminary findings suggest 'controlled flight into terrain'. Operations for Aryan Aviation were suspended immediately and an investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) was launched. The other members of the committee are the state's civil aviation secretary, disaster management secretary, chief executive officer of UCADA, executive director, Airspace Management, Government of India, executive Director, Air Traffic Management, Government of India, an official nominated by the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation, an official nominated by AAIB, an official nominated by India Meteorological Department (IMD), and one member each from among operators/pilots nominated by DGCA and UCADA.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Cabinet nod to 4 Badri projects; tax rebate for CNG, EV vehicles
The Uttarakhand cabinet on Wednesday approved 12 proposals, including four related to development projects in Badrinath and a tax exemption for CNG and electric vehicles. Secretary Shailesh Bagauli said permission was granted for creating Sudarshan Chakra and Sheshnetra Lotus wall artworks at prominent Badrinath locations, including Arrival Plaza and Lakefront. Another decision pertains to the construction and installation of the 'Tree and River Sculpture' at Badrinarayan Chowk. In a major green push, the cabinet has amended the tax structure for certain categories of eco-friendly vehicles. Under a notification dated Jan 2, 2019, issued under the Uttarakhand Motor Vehicle Taxation Reform Act, 2003, one-time tax rates were specified for vehicles powered by electric batteries, solar energy, or CNG. The cabinet has decided to extend this exemption to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and strong hybrid electric vehicles. "The purpose of this decision is to encourage vehicle owners to purchase and use these categories of vehicles and to reduce pollution," said Bagauli. To streamline recruitment processes for Group-C positions outside the purview of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, the state had earlier established the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission, creating a framework of 64 temporary positions-of which 62 were created, with the remaining two treated as a dying cadre. Given the rising number of requisitions from departments, the cabinet has now approved a restructuring of the commission's framework by creating 15 new positions-one regular and 14 outsourced-on top of the existing 62. In another decision, the director of the Forensic Science Laboratory will now be designated as the Uttarakhand Forensic Science Laboratory Department head. The cabinet also cleared a proposal to restructure the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission , which was established in 2011 with 47 positions. To address operational requirements, 12 new positions will be created. In line with central govt directives, the cabinet approved a proposal to make employees covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) eligible for gratuity within the state. Also, changes were made to benefit the dependents of deceased environmental workers under the 1974 rules. Under the Clean Mobility Transition Policy, 2024, the transport department had planned to deposit funds for various incentives in an escrow account titled the Uttarakhand Clean Mobility Transition Fund. However, banks raised concerns regarding the opening of such accounts. Hence, the state will now use an SNA account to implement the policy.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Uttarakhand cabinet clears 4 Badrinath projects; tax rebate for CNG, EV vehicles
The Uttarakhand cabinet on Wednesday approved 12 proposals, including four related to development projects in Badrinath and a tax exemption for CNG and electric vehicles. Secretary Shailesh Bagauli said permission was granted for creating Sudarshan Chakra and Sheshnetra Lotus wall artworks at prominent Badrinath locations, including Arrival Plaza and Lakefront. Another decision pertains to the construction and installation of the Tree and River Sculpture at Badrinarayan Chowk. In a major green push, the cabinet has amended the tax structure for certain categories of eco-friendly vehicles. Under a notification dated Jan 2, 2019, issued under the Uttarakhand Motor Vehicle Taxation Reform Act, 2003, one-time tax rates were specified for vehicles powered by electric batteries, solar energy, or CNG. The cabinet has now decided to extend this exemption to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and strong hybrid electric vehicles under the new Rule 125 "M" of the Central Motor Vehicle (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2023. "The purpose of this decision is to encourage vehicle owners to purchase and use these categories of vehicles and to reduce pollution," said Bagauli. The tax exemption will be applicable only once during the financial year 2025–26. To streamline recruitment processes for Group-C positions outside the purview of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, the state had earlier established the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission , creating a framework of 64 temporary positions—of which 62 were created, with the remaining two treated as a dying cadre. Given the rising number of requisitions from departments, the cabinet has now approved a restructuring of the commission's framework by creating 15 new positions—one regular and 14 outsourced—on top of the existing 62. In another administrative decision, the cabinet approved the designation of the head of the Uttarakhand Forensic Science Laboratory Department. With the lab now directly under the control of the Home department, the director of the Forensic Science Laboratory will now be officially recorded as the department head in govt records. The cabinet also cleared a proposal to restructure the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission, which was established in 2011 with 47 positions. The structure has not been revised in over a decade, affecting its functioning. To address operational requirements, 12 new positions will be created. In line with central govt directives, the cabinet approved a proposal to make employees covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) eligible for gratuity within the state. To ensure transparency and uniformity in recruitment processes for uniformed positions, the cabinet has approved the promulgation of the Uttarakhand Uniformed Constable Direct Recruitment Selection Process Rules, 2025, and the Uttarakhand Uniformed Sub-Inspector Direct Recruitment Selection Process Rules, 2025. These rules were formulated in consultation with relevant departments and selection bodies to ensure a standardised selection process for constables and sub-inspectors. Also, changes were made to benefit the dependents of deceased environmental workers under the 1974 rules. Under the Clean Mobility Transition Policy, 2024, the transport department had planned to deposit funds for various incentives in an escrow account titled the Uttarakhand Clean Mobility Transition Fund. However, banks raised concerns regarding the opening of such accounts. As per a finance department order dated July 5, 2023, budgetary grants must be deposited in Single Nodal Agency (SNA) accounts integrated with IFMS. In view of this, the cabinet has decided to open an SNA account instead of an escrow account for the same fund.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Uttarakhand cabinet clears 4 Badrinath projects; tax rebate for CNG, EV vehicles
Dehradun: The Uttarakhand cabinet on Wednesday approved 12 proposals, including four related to development projects in Badrinath and a tax exemption for CNG and electric vehicles. Secretary Shailesh Bagauli said permission was granted for creating Sudarshan Chakra and Sheshnetra Lotus wall artworks at prominent Badrinath locations, including Arrival Plaza and Lakefront. Another decision pertains to the construction and installation of the Tree and River Sculpture at Badrinarayan Chowk. In a major green push, the cabinet has amended the tax structure for certain categories of eco-friendly vehicles. Under a notification dated Jan 2, 2019, issued under the Uttarakhand Motor Vehicle Taxation Reform Act, 2003, one-time tax rates were specified for vehicles powered by electric batteries, solar energy, or CNG. The cabinet has now decided to extend this exemption to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and strong hybrid electric vehicles under the new Rule 125 "M" of the Central Motor Vehicle (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2023. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nejapa: Invierte $100 en AES CFD [Lee más] ofertas especiales Contáctanos Undo "The purpose of this decision is to encourage vehicle owners to purchase and use these categories of vehicles and to reduce pollution," said Bagauli. The tax exemption will be applicable only once during the financial year 2025–26. To streamline recruitment processes for Group-C positions outside the purview of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, the state had earlier established the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission, creating a framework of 64 temporary positions—of which 62 were created, with the remaining two treated as a dying cadre. Given the rising number of requisitions from departments, the cabinet has now approved a restructuring of the commission's framework by creating 15 new positions—one regular and 14 outsourced—on top of the existing 62. In another administrative decision, the cabinet approved the designation of the head of the Uttarakhand Forensic Science Laboratory Department. With the lab now directly under the control of the Home department, the director of the Forensic Science Laboratory will now be officially recorded as the department head in govt records. The cabinet also cleared a proposal to restructure the Uttarakhand Human Rights Commission, which was established in 2011 with 47 positions. The structure has not been revised in over a decade, affecting its functioning. To address operational requirements, 12 new positions will be created. In line with central govt directives, the cabinet approved a proposal to make employees covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) eligible for gratuity within the state. To ensure transparency and uniformity in recruitment processes for uniformed positions, the cabinet has approved the promulgation of the Uttarakhand Uniformed Constable Direct Recruitment Selection Process Rules, 2025, and the Uttarakhand Uniformed Sub-Inspector Direct Recruitment Selection Process Rules, 2025. These rules were formulated in consultation with relevant departments and selection bodies to ensure a standardised selection process for constables and sub-inspectors. Also, changes were made to benefit the dependents of deceased environmental workers under the 1974 rules. Under the Clean Mobility Transition Policy, 2024, the transport department had planned to deposit funds for various incentives in an escrow account titled the Uttarakhand Clean Mobility Transition Fund. However, banks raised concerns regarding the opening of such accounts. As per a finance department order dated July 5, 2023, budgetary grants must be deposited in Single Nodal Agency (SNA) accounts integrated with IFMS. In view of this, the cabinet has decided to open an SNA account instead of an escrow account for the same fund.
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Uttarakhand govt mulls deployment of anti-drone systems at Char Dham shrines
In light of the aerial invasions by Pakistani drones during Operation Sindoor earlier this month, the Uttarakhand government is planning to deploy anti-drone systems at all Char Dham shines and important establishments to counter potential aerial threats, people aware of the matter said. The home department has asked the police headquarters to prepare a proposal and forward it to the Union home ministry (MHA). 'During Operation Sindoor, we received communication from the Union ministry of home affairs that we can consider deploying anti-drone systems. We have asked the state police headquarters to prepare a detailed proposal to be sent to the MHA. It is important in view of the Char Dham shrines, and important establishments located in the state, as the state also shares international borders with China and Nepal,' Uttarakhand home secretary Shailesh Bagauli said. Dehradun houses the Indian Military Academy and DRDO's Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), along with offices of various central government departments. Two years ago, the state government approved the Uttarakhand Drone Promotion and Usage Policy, 2023, to promote drone manufacturing and drone-based services in the state. The Char Dham yatra began on April 30 with the opening of the Yamunotri and Gangotri shrines. The portals of Kedarnath Dham, the most visited by pilgrims among the four shrines, opened on May 2 and Badrinath temple on May 4. Over 1.4 million pilgrims have already visited the Char Dham shrines this year. Meanwhile, the state government has also decided to set up six civil defence units in Champawat, Pithoragarh, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Haridwar districts. Four of them share international borders with either China or Nepal. The state currently has only one civil defence unit, in Dehradun. The Civil Defence Act of 1968 states that any state government can set up the civil defence units at their level, and the Union government must be notified about it, Bagauli said. Last year, 4.8 million pilgrims visited Char Dham shrines, and the Hemkund Sahib shrine since the opening of the portals on May 10. Of those, 1.42 million visited Badrinath, 183,722 visited Hemkund Sahib, 1.65 million visited Kedarnath, 0.81 million visited Gangotri Dham and 0.71 million visited Yamunotri Dham. In 2023, the Char Dham yatra saw a record pilgrim influx of 5.6 million, according to tourism department officials.
