New Delhi, 15 June (IANS). After the tragic helicopter accident in Gaurikund area of Uttarakhand, the Civil Aviation Ministry on Sunday issued strict instructions to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to implement all security protocols related to helicopter operations in hilly and sensitive areas like Kedarnath Valley.
The ministry has said that no compromise can be made on the safety of passengers, so it is warned that any helicopter operator should not fly in unsafe weather or violate operating rules. The DGCA has been instructed to strictly implement all the rules and ensure that security and discipline are maintained at every level, especially in inaccessible pilgrimage areas where the risk of life is high.
The helicopter involved in the accident belonged to Aryan Aviation and was flying on the sector ‘Sri Kedarnath ji from Guptkashi’.
Bell 407 helicopter (registration VT-BKA) flew from Guptkashi at 5.10 am and landed at Kedarnath at 5.18 am.
The helicopter then left for the return journey at 5.19 am, but unfortunately crashed near Gaurikund between 5.30 am and 5.45 am and all the seven people have died.
Officials confirmed that the weather in the area was very bad, due to which the helicopter lost its way and became an accident.
After the helicopter accident, Chief Minister Dhami directed the Chief Secretary to form a committee of technical experts on Sunday. This committee will make a comprehensive review of all the safety and technical aspects of heli operations and draft the new SOP. This will ensure that helicopter services are operated with complete security, transparency and compliance with all the prescribed norms.
-IANS
ABS/
