E-Paper
Watch | Helicopter makes uncontrolled hard landing in Kedarnath, DGCI probe on
The DGCA has also issued an operational advisory to all operators for strict compliance of safety standards, adding that "strict enforcement action shall be initiated against the operator and the operational personnel held responsible".
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the uncontrolled hard landing of a helicopter belonging to a private aviation company at the Kedarnath helipad on May 31. The civil aviation authority has also issued an operational advisory to all operators for strict compliance of safety standards. It said adding that "strict enforcement action shall be initiated against the operator and the operational personnel held responsible".
It has also planned a spot check to ensure safety oversight on these operations, according to inputs shared by ANI.
The news agency also shared a video of the helicopter's uncontrolled hard landing at the helipad of the famed pilgrimage site amidst misty weather. It added that no passengers were injured in the incident.
The weather in Kedarnath often turns bad in the afternoon and a bright sunny day can suddenly give way to overcast conditions with isolated rainfall.
After a gap of two years during which the Char Dham yatra' remained halted due to the Covid pandemic, there is a huge rush of pilgrims this year for the Himalayan temples.
However, there have been at least 78 deaths among pilgrims on way to the Himalayan temples in less than a month.
Of the 78 deaths so far, Kedarnath has reported the highest number of pilgrim casualties with 41 fatalities.
(With inputs from agencies)
