In the early hours of June 15, 2025, a devastating helicopter crash claimed the lives of seven individuals near Gaurikund, en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, sending shockwaves across Uttarakhand and beyond
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami responded emphatically, mandating immediate action to prevent such calamities in the future.
The Tragic Incident
The helicopter departed Kedarnath Dham early on June 15 and crashed at 5:20 am near Gaurikund—a notoriously difficult terrain in Rudraprayag district.Officials from NDRF and SDRF were dispatched immediately to the remote crash site for relief operations
No survivors were reported.
CM Dhami’s Firm Response
CM Dhami conveyed his sorrow and directed swift action. He emphasized the critical role of helicopter services in:
Pilgrimage operations (e.g., Char Dham Yatra)
Emergency evacuations
Disaster response
He instructed the Chief Secretary to form a technical committee tasked with crafting a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to verify:
Rigorous technical checks of helicopter airworthiness
Real-time, accurate weather assessments before each flight
Dhami declared: “Safety needs to be given top priority.” Comparing safety protocols to models like Vaishno Devi, he insisted on twin-engine helicopters,experienced pilots, and the installation of weather cameras in all Char Dham valleys
What Led to the Crash?
While an official cause is yet to be confirmed, early indicators suggest:
Adverse weather and challenging mountainous terrain possibly played a role
This crash follows a string of recent incidents such as emergency landings and crashes near Gangani, Kedarnath, Badrinath which have intensified safety concerns
Stringent Safety Directives Across the Board
Following June’s crash, CM Dhami intensified his campaign:
Ordered a full audit of all past helicopter mishaps in Uttarakhand
Enforced mandatory twin-engine choppers on all routes
Made weather cameras compulsory in all Char Dham valleys
Required routine fitness assessments for all aircraft, strict SOPs for bookings, and engine performance checks
Maintained that experienced pilots only should fly these sensitive routes .
Called for cleanliness drives along pilgrimage routes during operations
Directed UCADA to develop a 10‑year heli‑service roadmap
CM Dhami stressed that the state’s status as a religious tourism hotspot, coupled with its difficult terrain, demands zero compromise on aviation safety
Already 66,000+ pilgrims have used helicopter shuttles this year, underscoring the urgency for upgraded protocols
Alternative Pilgrim Routes Post‑Crash
In light of safety concerns, authorities are promoting road-trekking alternatives for pilgrims traditionally reliant on helicopter travel.
A popular hybrid route involves:
Road trip from Sonprayag/Phata to Gaurikund
Trek approximately 14 km to Kedarnath
Pilgrim advisories now stress:
Monitoring local weather alerts
Proper mountain trekking gear
Planning early start times, hydration and fitness preparation
Broader Impacts & Context
The June 15 crash isn’t an isolated event. It follows:
A May 8 crash near Gangani in Uttarkashi, killing five passengers and leaving others injured
Multiple emergency landings in May and early June on the Char Dham circuit
These episodes prompted the DGCA to restrict helicopter flights to Kedarnath to a maximum of nine per hour almost half the earlier limit aimed at reducing congestion amid adverse weather
What the Future Holds
With crash investigations underway by agencies like AAIB, Uttarakhand is poised to reshape its aviation safety landscape.
Expected reforms include:
Enhanced SOPs, weather surveillance upgrades, and technical oversight
Mandated use of twin-engine helicopters, advanced tracking systems
A decade-long strategic plan, based on the Vaishno Devi model
Long-term infrastructure upgrades: more helipads, improved helipad-to-temple connectivity, and robust emergency response frameworks
Final Thoughts
The June 15, 2025, helicopter crash has catalyzed a decisive shift in Uttarakhand’s approach to aviation safety, particularly in pilgrimage-heavy zones.With stringent SOPs, weather-based decision-making, and infrastructure planning, CM Dhami seems determined to balance devotional convenience with
uncompromised passenger safety. However, translating policy intent into effective, on-ground safety implementation especially across Uttarakhand’s unforgiving Himalayan terrain will define whether future disasters are truly averted.
Also Read : https://crazynews247.com/agni-chopra-star-kid-who-chose-cricket/
Also Read : https://crazynews247.com/aus-vs-sa-highlights-wtc-final-2025-south-africa/