Helicopter accidents are increasing under the heli service operated during the Chardham Yatra, but there is no trace of investigation of the technical reasons behind the accidents. Helicopter accidents are investigated by the expert team of DGCA and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered a high-level inquiry into the helicopter accident in Gangani of Uttarkashi district, but even after a month the government has not received the investigation report. Helicopter service is operated for Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Hemkund Sahib, but the helicopters flying in the high Himalayan regions are single engine. In such a situation, technical fault or weather, air pressure remains a big challenge in helicopter flight. This time so far there have been two helicopter accidents in Kedar Valley, one in Uttarkashi and one helicopter going out of control while flying near Badrinath. On May 8, six people including the pilot died in a helicopter accident in Gangani in Uttarkashi district, while the helicopter passengers remained safe in the other incident. The Gangani accident is being investigated by a joint team of experts from DGCA and Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau, but even after a month the investigation report has not come. On Sunday, the DGCA team reached Badasu in Kedar Valley and inspected the emergency landing site of the helicopter.
The government has taken cognizance of the helicopter accident. The Secretary Civil Aviation was instructed to call a meeting soon and review the helicopter accidents. So that such incidents can be prevented.
– Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister
Four incidents of helicopter accidents have happened within a month, but the government is unaware. It should be thoroughly investigated. So that the incidents are not repeated again and again. The investigation report of helicopter accidents should be made public. Rules are being ignored in operating the helicopter service. Which is not good for the safety of pilgrims.
– Ganesh Godiyal, former state president of Congress
