Kedarnath, June 7, 2025:
A helicopter ferrying five pilgrims crash-landed near the Sirsi helipad en route to Kedarnath on June 7, marking the fourth aviation mishap in Uttarakhand’s Char Dham circuit within a month. The passengers escaped without injuries, but the pilot sustained minor wounds during the emergency landing. The growing frequency of such incidents has raised alarm over the safety protocols and aviation standards during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra.
According to officials, the chopper, operated by Kestrel Aviation, encountered a technical snag shortly after takeoff from Sirsi, a key transit point for pilgrims heading to Kedarnath. The pilot acted swiftly to initiate a controlled crash-landing, preventing a potentially fatal disaster. A rescue team was immediately dispatched, and the area was cordoned off to ensure the safety of other pilgrims in the vicinity.
“The pilot’s presence of mind prevented a major tragedy. All five pilgrims are safe and received immediate medical attention. The pilot has suffered minor injuries and is undergoing treatment,” said a senior official from the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA).
This is the fourth helicopter-related incident in the Char Dham region in the past month. Earlier incidents involved emergency landings and mechanical failures near Yamunotri and Badrinath, prompting concerns about the condition of aircraft and operational oversight by private aviation firms engaged in the pilgrimage route.
With the Char Dham Yatra witnessing a surge in pilgrim footfall this year, the demand for aerial transportation has skyrocketed. Helicopter services have become a preferred mode of travel, especially for elderly devotees and those with limited time. However, the back-to-back incidents are beginning to cast a shadow over the reliability of these services.
Aviation safety experts and state authorities are now under pressure to scrutinize the operational health of the helicopter services. “A thorough audit of all helicopters operating in the Char Dham circuit is imperative. These repeated mishaps suggest lapses either in aircraft maintenance or operational training,” said aviation analyst Captain Rakesh Mehra, a retired Indian Air Force pilot.
In response to the growing concern, UCADA has announced that it will conduct an urgent review of all aviation operators flying in the region. “Strict action will be taken against those who are found violating standard safety procedures,” an official statement read.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also been notified and is expected to dispatch a team to investigate the June 7 incident and review the safety protocols followed by Kestrel Aviation and other operators.
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government has urged pilgrims to remain calm and assured that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure their safety. “Pilgrims’ security is our top priority. We are coordinating closely with aviation regulators to ensure such incidents do not recur,” said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in a statement.
The Char Dham Yatra, which includes visits to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, draws lakhs of devotees every year. The challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and rising traffic have made helicopter services both a boon and a concern. As the pilgrimage season progresses, authorities face the dual challenge of managing growing crowds while ensuring that aerial travel remains safe and reliable.
Source:
- Hindustan Times
- Times of India
- UCADA press release, June 7, 2025
- DGCA preliminary statement
