Dehradun: In the wake of the tragic helicopter crash in the Gaurikund area of Rudraprayag district on Sunday morning, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Emphasizing strict accountability, the Chief Minister directed that wherever negligence is found, stringent action must be taken against those responsible, regardless of their rank.
Calling the accident “deeply unfortunate,” Chief Minister Dhami said, “Protecting the lives of citizens is the top priority of the state government. No compromise will be tolerated when it comes to human safety.”
Chardham Helicopter Services Suspended Until Monday
As a precautionary measure, all helicopter services operating for the Chardham Yatra have been completely suspended until Monday. The Chief Minister also ordered a thorough review of the flying experience and credentials of all pilots and operators engaged in high-altitude flights. Services will resume only after the review is completed.
Command and Coordination Center to Be Established in Dehradun
To strengthen the monitoring and coordination of heli operations, a centralized Command and Coordination Center will be established in Dehradun. It will comprise representatives from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Disaster Management Department, Civil Aviation, UCADA, and licensed heli operator companies.
Stricter SOPs and Oversight
A committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Home, has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive and stricter Administrative and Technical Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for helicopter operations in high Himalayan terrain. The committee will include members from DGCA, UCADA, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Air Traffic Control (ATC), and is expected to submit its report by September 2025.
Only Experienced Pilots Will Be Permitted
Going forward, only pilots with verified experience in flying in high-altitude and mountainous terrain will be allowed to operate in the region. The CM also instructed officials to revise and tighten DGCA guidelines and ensure their strict implementation without exceptions.
Enhanced Weather Monitoring in Himalayan Region
To bolster flight safety, the state will install additional advanced weather forecasting systems across the Himalayan region. This will provide more accurate and real-time weather updates, minimizing the risk of flight operations during volatile conditions.
Support for Victims’ Families
The Chief Minister instructed the Rudraprayag district administration to ensure timely and dignified transportation of the deceased passengers’ remains to their respective states. Officials have also been directed to coordinate with the victims’ families and provide all necessary assistance.
High-Level Meeting Held
The directives were issued during a high-level emergency meeting convened at the Chief Minister’s residence. Senior officials present included Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha, DGCA Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman, UCADA CEO Sonika, and Director General of Information Banshidhar Tiwari, along with officials from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), many of whom joined virtually.
Incident Summary
The fatal crash occurred at around 5:30 AM on Sunday when a helicopter operated by Aryan Aviation Company, en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, crashed in dense forest near Gaurikund. All seven occupants, including a 23-month-old infant, tragically lost their lives.
