Following a helicopter crash in Gaurikund that killed seven, helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra have been suspended. The Chief Minister has ordered new SOPs and a committee of inquiry.
Uttarakhand: Helicopter services for the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand have been suspended until further notice. This decision follows a helicopter crash in Gaurikund on Sunday, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven people. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding state government oversight and passenger safety.
Joint Decision
The suspension of helicopter services was a joint decision by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This restriction will remain in effect until a thorough investigation into the accident is completed and safety standards are reviewed.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's Strict Measures
State Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken the helicopter accident very seriously. He has instructed officials to develop clear and strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the monitoring and operation of helicopter services. The Chief Minister clarified that the SOPs must include mandatory thorough checks of the helicopter's technical condition and accurate weather information.
Formation of a Committee of Technical Experts
The Chief Minister has directed the Chief Secretary to form a committee of technical experts. This committee will thoroughly review all technical and safety aspects related to helicopter operations and formulate a strict SOP. The aim is to ensure that future helicopter services are operated in a completely safe and transparent manner.
Review of Previous Accidents
The Chief Minister has also instructed that the high-level committee investigating previous helicopter accidents will now also investigate the Gaurikund incident. This committee will thoroughly investigate the causes of each accident, identify culpable individuals or entities, and recommend strict action against them.
