Civil Aviation Ministry issues strict instructions to DGCA to enforce chopper safety

IANS June 15, 2025 337 views

The Civil Aviation Ministry has issued strict safety directives to DGCA following a tragic helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. Aryan Aviation's chopper crashed near Kedarnath, killing seven, including an infant. Two pilots were suspended for violating weather safety norms, and operations in the region have been temporarily halted. Authorities are implementing real-time monitoring to prevent future accidents.

"The exact cause will be confirmed after a detailed probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)" - Civil Aviation Ministry
New Delhi, June 15: In the wake of a tragic helicopter crash in the Gaurikund area of Uttarakhand, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sunday issued strict instructions to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to enforce all safety protocols related to chopper operations in hilly and sensitive areas like the Kedarnath valley.

Key Points

1

DGCA instructed to enforce strict safety rules for chopper operations

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Aryan Aviation's Kedarnath-Guptkashi chopper crashed, killing 7

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Two pilots suspended for flying in unsafe weather

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UCADA to monitor real-time flight operations

The ministry has emphasised that passenger safety is non-negotiable. It has warned that no helicopter operator should fly in unsafe weather or break operational rules.

The DGCA has been instructed to enforce all rules strictly and ensure that safety and discipline are maintained at every level, especially in pilgrimage zones where lives are at high risk.

The helicopter involved in the accident belonged to Aryan Aviation and was operating on the 'Shri Kedarnath Ji-Guptkashi' sector.

The Bell 407 chopper (Reg. VT-BKA) took off from Guptkashi at 5.10 a.m. and landed at Kedarnath at 5.18 a.m.

It departed again at 5.19 a.m. for its return journey but tragically crashed near Gaurikund sometime between 5.30 and 5.45 a.m.

There were five passengers, one infant, and one crew member on board. Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are carrying out operations at the crash site.

Preliminary findings suggest the crash may have been caused by Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT), with reports of poor visibility and dense clouds at the valley entry point.

"The exact cause will be confirmed after a detailed probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)," the ministry said.

In Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a high-level emergency meeting at 11 a.m., attended by top officials from the state government, the Civil Aviation Ministry, the DGCA, and other agencies.

"Following the incident, the operations of Aryan Aviation for the Char Dham Yatra have been suspended immediately," the ministry added.

Two helicopters from TransBharat Aviation were also found flying in similarly dangerous weather conditions.

"The licenses of both pilots involved -- Capt. Yogesh Grewal and Capt. Jitender Harjai -- have been suspended for six months," it said.

To ensure safety, all helicopter services in the region have been suspended on June 15 and 16.

The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has been directed to conduct a thorough review with all helicopter operators and pilots before flights are allowed to resume.

A Command-and-Control Room will be set up by the UCADA to monitor real-time flight operations and raise alarms in case of any risk.

Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse user comments reflecting Indian perspectives on the helicopter safety issue:
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Rajesh K.
Finally some strict action! These helicopter operators have been taking pilgrims' lives for granted in the Himalayas. DGCA should conduct surprise checks and install black boxes in all choppers. Safety can't be compromised for profits 🙏
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Priya M.
My heart goes out to the victims' families. The real test will be whether these rules are enforced after the media attention fades. We've seen many such announcements after accidents, but implementation is always weak. Hope this time is different.
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Amit S.
Good decision but why only 6 months suspension for pilots flying in dangerous weather? Their negligence cost lives! Should be permanent ban. Also need better weather monitoring systems in Kedarnath route - it's known for sudden weather changes.
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Sunita R.
Took my parents to Kedarnath by helicopter last year. Now I'm feeling so guilty 😔 The operators rush through too many trips during yatra season. Government should fix maximum number of daily flights per operator based on weather data.
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Vikram J.
Command-and-Control Room is a welcome step! But who will monitor the monitors? We need transparent systems where pilgrims can report safety violations via app with photos/videos. Public participation can improve enforcement. #SafetyFirst
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Neha T.
While safety is important, complete suspension affects pilgrims who depend on these services. Many elderly devotees can't trek. Hope authorities find balance between safety and accessibility. Maybe stricter rules + limited flights in safe hours?

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Tags:
Civil Aviation Ministry DGCA Kedarnath helicopter crash Aryan Aviation Uttarakhand chopper safety