Repeated Helicopter Crashes In Kedarnath Raise Alarms, Safety Norms Under Scanner Again

The Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has been marred by a series of tragic helicopter crashes this season, with the most recent incident near Kedarnath claiming five lives and injuring one. The chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation, crashed in the forested region between Gaurikund and Sonprayag. According to reports, the helicopter was carrying six people, including the pilot, and burst into flames upon impact.Dr. Brijesh Sati, General Secretary of the Char Dham Mahapanchayat, revealed that since the beginning of this year’s yatra about 1.5 months ago, multiple accidents have occurred—raising serious concerns over regulatory oversight. He pointed out that there are no strict checks on heli-operators and that most helicopters used are single-engine, often exceeding passenger limits.Experts also highlight the lack of real-time weather monitoring systems in these high-altitude regions. Though Dehradun has radar-equipped facilities, remote helipads rely on visual estimates. With rapidly changing weather in snow-covered valleys, helicopters face high risk.Despite state government directives after previous mishaps, safety audits and enforcement remain weak. Many now demand a temporary suspension of helicopter services and a full safety audit to prevent further loss of lives during this sacred pilgrimage.