Uttarakhand Suspends Helicopter Services to Char Dham Until Review Completion

Helicopter Services Halted for Safety Review

Helicopter operations to Char Dham will be entirely suspended until Monday as authorities conduct a thorough review of the experience of helicopter operators and pilots in high-altitude Himalayan areas. Services will only resume following a detailed meeting with all involved operators. To enhance coordination and ensure the safe operation of helicopter flights, a central 'Command and Coordination Center' will be established in Dehradun. This center will comprise officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Disaster Management Department, Civil Aviation, UCADA, and helicopter service companies. These directives were issued by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during a meeting at his residence on Sunday.

Formation of Safety Committee and Investigation Initiated

The Chief Minister has mandated the creation of a committee led by the Home Secretary of Uttarakhand. This committee will include representatives from DGCA, UCADA, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Air Traffic Control (ATC). Its task will be to draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) prioritizing public safety, with a report due by September. Additionally, the Chief Minister has called for the establishment of stringent Administrative and Technical SOPs for future helicopter operations in the state.

Investigation into Rudraprayag Helicopter Crash

A high-level investigation into the recent helicopter crash in Rudraprayag has also been ordered. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to identify any negligence at all levels and ensure appropriate punitive measures are taken. He reiterated that the safety of citizens is the utmost priority for the state government, and any compromise on safety will not be tolerated.

Strict Guidelines for Helicopter Operations

Only pilots with extensive experience in high-altitude Himalayan flying will be permitted to operate. The Chief Minister has instructed that DGCA guidelines be made more stringent and adhered to with complete compliance. Furthermore, he has called for the installation of advanced weather forecasting equipment in the Himalayan region to provide more accurate and timely weather updates. The Rudraprayag district administration has also been directed to arrange for the transportation of the deceased from the accident back to their home states and maintain communication with their families.

Key Officials Present During the Meeting

The meeting included participation from Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha, DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, and other officials from various departments, including the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).