AI 171 crash: Samples of 210 victims matched and 187 mortals released, says Gujarat Minister Rushikesh Patel

ANI June 19, 2025 254 views

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel announced that DNA samples of 210 victims from the AI 171 crash have been matched, with 187 bodies released to families. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Ministry introduced draft rules to tackle flight path obstructions, empowering aerodrome authorities to enforce height restrictions. The rules mandate property owners to submit structural details or face demolition orders. These measures aim to enhance aviation safety and prevent future accidents.

"UPDATED UP TO 19/06/2025, 8:30 a.m. NO. OF DNA MATCH - 210 NO. OF RELATIVES CONTACTED- 210 NO. OF MORTAL RELEASED- 187" - Rushikesh Patel
New Delhi, June 19: A week after the deadly Air India crash that took place in Ahmedabad, DNA samples of 210 victims had been matched with their families and 187 mortals had been released, announced Gujarat Minister of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education Rushikesh Patel on Thursday.

Key Points

1

Gujarat confirms 210 DNA matches from AI 171 crash

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187 mortal remains released to families

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New aviation draft rules target obstruction risks

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DGCA empowered to enforce height limits near aerodromes

In a post on social media X, Patel wrote "UPDATED UP TO :- 19/06/2025, 8:30 a.m. NO. OF DNA MATCH - 210 NO. OF RELATIVES CONTACTED- 210 NO. OF MORTAL RELEASED- 187 Remaining Mortal remains will be handed over soon."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation released new draft rules to tighten control over structures that pose a risk to aircraft safety.

The draft, titled Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions) Rules, 2025, was issued on June 18 and will come into force once published in the Official Gazette.

The rules aim to give authorities the power to take prompt action against buildings and trees that exceed height limits in designated aerodrome zones. This is seen as a proactive step to prevent potential accidents caused by obstructions in flight paths.

"Where any notification has been issued by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of section 18 of the Act and the officer-in-charge of the concerned aerodrome has reason to believe that any building or tree exists in violation of the provisions of the aforesaid notification, he shall serve a copy of the notification on the owner of the building or tree, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedure laid down in sub-section (3) of said section," the draft reads.

Under the draft, any structure found violating the prescribed height limits may be served a notice by the officer-in-charge of an aerodrome. Owners must submit detailed information - including structure dimensions and site plans - within sixty days. Failure to comply could result in enforcement action, including demolition or height reduction.

"The officer-in-charge of the concerned aerodrome shall forthwith send a report of such violation to the Director General, or any officer authorised by him in this behalf," it added.

For physical verification, officers are empowered to enter the premises during daylight hours after informing the owner. In cases of non-cooperation, officers may proceed based on available information and refer the matter to the DGCA.

"Before forwarding the details to the Director General, the officer-in-charge of the aerodrome shall satisfy himself about the correctness of the details and for that purpose, he shall be empowered to enter the premises in question and carry out physical verification of the dimensions of the building or tree, as the case may be, during daylight hours and with reasonable prior notice to the owner, who shall be duty bound to extend full cooperation during such physical verification," it further added.

If there is non-compliance, the officer-in-charge must report the matter to the District Collector, who is then responsible for ensuring the demolition or trimming is carried out in accordance with the order. The procedure will mirror the process used for removing unauthorised constructions.

Reader Comments

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Priya M.
Heartbreaking to see such a tragedy unfold in our country. The DNA matching process seems efficient, but I hope the families are getting proper counseling too. Losing loved ones so suddenly is unimaginable. 🙏
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Rahul K.
These new aviation safety rules are long overdue! How many more accidents do we need before taking action against illegal constructions near airports? Better late than never, but implementation is key.
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Anjali S.
My cousin works at Ahmedabad airport and said the crash site was horrific. The ground staff needs trauma support too - they're often forgotten in such tragedies. Hope the DGCA considers this aspect.
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Vikram P.
While the new rules are good, what about compensation for legal buildings that now need modification? The government should provide some financial assistance or tax benefits for compliance.
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Sunita R.
The way Gujarat government is handling the aftermath is commendable. Quick DNA matching shows technical capability, but the real test is how they support families in the long term. Grief doesn't end with last rites.
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Karan D.
Why does it take a major accident for our systems to wake up? We have brilliant aviation experts - their recommendations should be implemented proactively, not reactively. Safety can't wait for tragedies.

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