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Helicopter services operating for the Kedarnath Dham Yatra have been suspended with the onset of the monsoon season in view of adverse weather conditions and passenger safety concerns, officials said on Wednesday.
The decision has been taken in line with guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), authorities added. District Magistrate of Rudraprayag, Vishal Mishra, said that all helicopter operations for the pilgrimage have been halted until further notice. "Helicopters operated by Thambi Aviation, Himalayan Heli, Rajas Aero, United Helicharters, Pilgrimage Aviation, Chipsan Aviation, Trans Bharat Aviation and other operators have returned to their respective bases following the suspension. During the monsoon period, pilgrims will have to rely on alternative modes of transport such as ponies, mules and palanquins. Services will resume only after weather conditions improve and necessary clearances are granted," he said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Dehradun on Wednesday issued a heavy rainfall alert for the next four days (till July 4) in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, with the district administration urging residents to remain vigilant. Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government on Wednesday initiated emergency protocols and started broadcasting SMS weather warnings to high-risk areas following a three-day "Orange Alert" for heavy rainfall issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman warned that while the annual Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage remains active, footfall is expected to drop sharply if the heavy downpours intensify across the Himalayan region. Speaking to ANI, DM said, "The IMD has issued an 'Orange Alert' for three days... Alerts are being sent via SMS to areas where heavy rainfall is expected. The Char Dham Yatra is currently underway, but the number of pilgrims will certainly decrease if the rainfall intensifies..." Heavy rainfall has been continuing across several parts of the district, including Kedarnath. (ANI)
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