Dehradun: Amid incidents of helicopter crashes during the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has given strict instructions to all operators while emphasizing on safety standards. He directed to give top priority to the safety of the pilgrims and follow the safety standards in the high Himalayan regions along with regular fitness checks.
There have been several reports of helicopter crashes during the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has made it clear in strong words to all helicopter service providers and operators serving in the state that there should be no compromise with the safety standards of helicopter services. The Chief Minister said that in view of the maximum number of passengers availing the heli services, safety standards should be given top priority.
Along with this, CM Dhami has also directed to audit and constantly review the heli accidents that occurred in the past years, so that such accidents do not happen again. He said that as the nodal of the state, the safety of the passengers is our biggest responsibility.
CM Dhami has given strict instructions to strictly follow the regular fitness check of the helicopter, make a solid and effective SOP for helicopter ticket booking and strictly follow the safety standards of helicopter engines running in high Himalayan regions. CM Dhami held a review meeting of the state's heli services with all helicopter service providers and operators and was informed about the services provided by UCADA, AAIB and DGCA in Uttarakhand at the Chief Minister's residence.
Instructions for installing cameras
Keeping in mind the obstacles in heli services due to weather, accurate weather information and safety, CM Dhami has given instructions to install weather cameras in Kedar Valley as well as all other Chardham valleys. UCADA will formulate a concrete policy for operating only double-engine helicopters in the future. The Chief Minister has also given instructions. UCADA and relevant stakeholders have been asked to study the heli service model being operated at Vaishno Devi. He has instructed to keep only highly experienced pilots in heli services in the state.
Increasing demand for heli services
Along with this, Chief Minister Dhami has also given strict advice to the heli operators to maintain sensitive behavior with the passengers so that tourists coming from all over the world have a pleasant experience in Devbhoomi. He has also instructed heli operators and administration to carry out cleanliness drive on Chardham routes. The Chief Minister said that in view of the increasing demand for heli services in future, many helipads are under construction in the state. So far this year, more than 66,000 passengers have availed the heli shuttle services.