The helicopter service for the Chardham Yatra resumes today, after being suspended following the June 15 crash in the Kedarnath region. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) CEO, Sonika, confirmed the restart of the service.
The suspension was enforced after a helicopter crash in Kedarnath raised serious safety concerns. In response, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed strict reforms in helicopter operations across the state. He instructed officials to prepare a stringent Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure safety in all aspects of flight operations.
The SOP will include mandatory checks on the technical condition of helicopters and accurate weather assessments before flights. CM Dhami has ordered the formation of a technical expert committee under the Chief Secretary to thoroughly review safety and technical protocols for all helicopter operations. The goal is to ensure that all services meet high safety standards and operate transparently.
Additionally, CM Dhami emphasized that the high-level committee previously formed to investigate past helicopter incidents will now also probe the latest Kedarnath crash. The committee will examine every aspect of the incident and recommend strict action against any individuals or organizations found responsible.
CM Dhami reiterated that helicopter services play a critical role in pilgrimage, disaster response, and emergency services in Uttarakhand, making safety the utmost priority.
