Uttarakhand Chopper Crash Kills 7 Near Kedarnath, CM Dhami Mandates Safety Reforms

Uttarakhand Chopper Crash Claims 7 Lives, CM Dhami Calls for Robust Safety Protocols

June 15, 2025 – A devastating helicopter crash in Uttarakhand’s Kedarghati region killed seven people, including six pilgrims and the pilot, on Sunday morning, as reported by news agency PTI. The tragedy, occurring between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan, has intensified demands for enhanced safety regulations, with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordering the creation of a rigorous Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for helicopter operations in the state.

The chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd, departed Kedarnath for Guptkashi around 5:30 AM but crashed minutes later, erupting into flames. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) noted that the crash occurred in dense forests above Gaurikund, where poor visibility from harsh weather likely played a role. Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar confirmed weather-related challenges, stating the accident took place in a highly secluded area.

Inspector General (Garhwal Range) Rajiv Swaroop described the site as “an extremely isolated area,” complicating rescue efforts. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police were promptly mobilized for relief operations. However, Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey indicated, “There is little hope of survivors,” highlighting the crash’s severity.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed profound grief on X, writing, “Heartbreaking news has emerged about a helicopter crash in Rudraprayag district. SDRF, local authorities, and rescue teams are actively involved in relief efforts. I pray to Baba Kedar for the well-being of all passengers.” The victims included pilgrims from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and a 23-month-old child.

This marks the fifth helicopter mishap in Uttarakhand in just over a month, underscoring persistent aviation safety concerns, especially during the Char Dham Yatra season. On May 8, 2025, a chopper en route to Gangotri Dham crashed in Uttarkashi, killing six. On June 7, 2025, another helicopter bound for Kedarnath made an emergency landing on the Guptkashi-Gaurikund highway due to a mechanical failure, with the pilot injured but all five passengers safely evacuated.

In response to these incidents, CM Dhami has mandated stringent safety measures. He instructed the chief secretary to establish a panel of technical specialists to draft a comprehensive SOP, requiring thorough aircraft inspections and accurate weather forecasts before flights. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated the panel will ensure helicopter services are conducted safely, transparently, and in full compliance with regulatory standards.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a review of helicopter operations in Uttarakhand, citing unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and high pilgrimage traffic as key risks. With helicopters critical for elderly pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra, these reforms aim to avert future tragedies and rebuild trust in aerial travel.

As relief efforts continue at the Gaurikund crash site, the incident highlights the urgent need for robust safety protocols in Uttarakhand’s challenging landscape. The state’s commitment to addressing these risks offers hope for safer skies ahead.

Article Key Points

• Deadly Crash: On June 15, 2025, an Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd chopper crashed in Kedarghati, Uttarakhand, killing seven, including six pilgrims and the pilot, between Gaurikund and Trijuginarayan.
• Weather Impact: The crash at 5:30 AM, en route from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, was linked to low visibility from adverse weather in the isolated Gaurikund forest area.
• Rescue Operations: SDRF, NDRF, and police teams were deployed, but officials reported no likely survivors due to the crash’s intensity and subsequent fire.
• CM Dhami’s Actions: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami mourned the loss on X, prayed for the victims, and ordered a technical panel to develop a strict SOP for helicopter safety, emphasizing technical checks and weather data.
• Prior Incidents: The fifth crash in 40 days, following a May 8 Uttarkashi accident (six dead) and a June 7 emergency landing with no fatalities, highlights ongoing safety issues.
• Safety Overhaul: The DGCA is reviewing operations, and Dhami’s SOP initiative targets weather unpredictability, terrain challenges, and maintenance gaps to enhance safety.