Photo Credit: PTI
In a heart-wrenching tragedy during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, a helicopter crash near Kedarnath in Gaurikund claimed the lives of seven people early Sunday morning. The helicopter, operated by Aryan Aviation, was en-route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi when it lost contact and crashed in a dense forest between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan.
The Kedarnath helicopter crash has sent shockwaves across Uttarakhand and the rest of the country, raising serious concerns about the safety protocols of air services in high-altitude pilgrimage zones.
Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: What Happened?
The helicopter departed from the Kedarnath helipad at approximately 5:19 AM and was scheduled to reach Guptkashi in just 8 minutes. However, at around 5:30 AM, it lost contact with air traffic control. Locals reported hearing a loud noise near Gaurikund shortly after.
Search and rescue teams comprising SDRF, NDRF, and local police rushed to the crash site, where all seven bodies were recovered. The deceased included five pilgrims, one child, and the pilot. Families from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan are among those grieving the loss.
Weather Suspected to Be a Cause
Initial reports suggest that bad weather conditions near Kedarnath, including dense fog and poor visibility, could have contributed to the crash. The narrow flight paths around Gaurikund are notoriously difficult to navigate during early morning hours, especially during monsoon-like weather conditions in the mountains.
Civil aviation officials have confirmed that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has been tasked with a detailed inquiry, and black box data will be examined to establish the exact cause of the accident.
Uttarakhand Government Orders SOP Review
Reacting swiftly, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the crash and ordered a thorough review of all helicopter operations in the region. “Strict SOPs will be enforced,” he stated, “to ensure this never happens again.”
The Kedarnath helicopter crash near Gaurikund is the latest in a string of aviation incidents that have marred the pilgrimage season this year. In the last six weeks alone, there have been at least three emergency landings and one minor crash in the Char Dham route. The government has now prioritized regulating private helicopter operators and has indicated that weather clearance protocols will be revisited.
Safety Concerns Loom Over Char Dham Yatra
With thousands of pilgrims opting for helicopter services every year to reduce the strenuous journey, the helicopter crash near Kedarnath has renewed safety fears. Travel agencies and tour operators are reporting cancellations or inquiries about alternate routes, including trekking options between Gaurikund and Kedarnath.
The aviation wing of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has said it will increase scrutiny on all helipad operations and weather monitoring systems in vulnerable zones.
A History of Helicopter Mishaps in Kedarnath
This is not the first fatal accident involving a helicopter crash near Kedarnath. In 2022, six people lost their lives in a crash near Garudchatti under similar weather conditions. Despite that, rapid commercialization and a spike in air traffic during the yatra season have often outpaced infrastructure and safety audits.
Locals near Gaurikund have also raised questions about the preparedness of response teams and the limited communication equipment available in remote regions, which often delays rescue operations.
