This incident marks the fifth helicopter-related event on the pilgrimage route in just over a month, prompting strong criticism from opposition leaders and the public.
On 7 June, a Kestrel Aviation helicopter traveling to Kedarnath was compelled to make an emergency landing on a highway in the Rudraprayag district due to a technical issue shortly after take-off. The aircraft landed hard near residential areas, damaging a parked vehicle with its tail rotor, but thankfully, all passengers and the pilot were unharmed.
Also read | Kedarnath chopper crash: 7 dead, DGCA cuts flights, orders probe
Just weeks prior, on 8 May, another private helicopter crashed while heading to Gangotri near Gangnani in the Uttarkashi district, leading to six deaths—including five female pilgrims and the pilot—and leaving one male passenger seriously injured.
On 12 May, in a different incident, a helicopter transporting pilgrims from Badrinath to Sersi was forced to make an emergency landing at a school playground in Ukhimath due to poor visibility. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the flight continued an hour later when conditions improved.
On 17 May, an AIIMS Rishikesh heli ambulance crash-landed near the Kedarnath helipad after sustaining damage to its rear section. The doctor, pilot, and medical staff member on board were unharmed.
“This was the fifth incident involving a helicopter on the Char Dham Yatra route within just over a month and a half of the pilgrimage starting 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
Criticizing the administration, he further stated: “This indicates that the state government lacks control over the aviation companies operating on this route. There are no standard operating procedures for chopper operations. In the frantic pursuit of profit, heli companies have disregarded all safety measures. There is no limit on the number of sorties they conduct each day.”
Echoing these concerns, social activist Anoop Nautiyal questioned the government’s dedication to safety reforms. “Just four days ago, it was reported that strict norms would now govern heli operations—restricting each chopper to only 3-4 passengers instead of 5-6. Yet, merely four days later, seven lives, including that of the pilot, were lost in yet another helicopter accident,” he noted.
“If there is no intent to change the system, why deceive the public? Will anyone responsible for endangering lives be held accountable? Will those operating these helicopters face consequences after five accidents in a little over a month, or will the crashes continue?” Nautiyal questioned.
Following the fatal crash on Sunday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami convened an emergency meeting and announced an immediate two-day suspension of heli services along the Yatra route.
“Operations will only resume once the safety of all passengers is guaranteed. The safety of the Yatris must not be compromised,” the Chief Minister stated.
Dhami instructed the formation of a committee of technical experts led by the Chief Secretary, responsible for drafting a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all helicopter services in the state. This SOP will require thorough technical checks and compliance with stringent safety standards.
An official statement indicated that the committee will comprehensively review all elements of helicopter operations—technical, safety, and procedural—and align them with best practices.
Furthermore, Dhami emphasized the need for weather monitoring prior to flights and ordered an investigative committee to look into Sunday’s crash, along with all previous incidents this season.
