Char Dham Yatra: Helicopter service resumes and is running smoothly, says Uttarakhand government
The Uttarakhand government has said it has resumed the helicopter service for Char Dham Yatra and it is running smoothly after it was stopped for certain time due to bad weather. A large number of devotees visiting the four Dhams were welcomed by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Over lakh devotees visited the all four sites of Char Dham in past 9 days, CM Dhami said, adding 'Every year a large number of devotees visit Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra. Our government is continuously working to make the journey smooth, safe and well organised.'
CM Dhami, on May 3, stated that the safe travel of the devotees at the Kedarnath Temple is the state government's main focus. The government has offered quick health facilities to the devotees, specialist doctors have been placed along with the expansion of health services.
The Char Dham Yatra started on April 30 with Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham's opening on Akshaya Tritiya amid Vedic chants and rituals. The doors of Kedarnath Dham were opened on May 2, while those of Badrinath on May 4.
Earlier on Tuesday, a 24-hour ban was put in effect on the usage of horses and mules in the Kedarnath Yatra, according to an official. 'Yesterday, eight horses and mules died, while today, six of them died. We wanted to ascertain the reason behind it. Tomorrow, a team from the Centre will also come to check the reason for deaths...' BVRC Purushottam, Secretary, Animal Husbandry (Uttarakhand) said.
Rudraprayag district is very sensitive when it comes to viewing from the disaster perspective, so a separate mobile network has been set up in the district. The devotees reaching for the darshan of Baba Kedar in Kedarpuri will now receive the facility of free WiFi.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Aviation Watchdog To Probe Highway Landing Of Chopper Headed To Kedarnath
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation will carry out an investigation into the emergency landing made by a private helicopter carrying pilgrims to Kedarnath. The chopper landed on a highway near the Bharasu helipad in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district on Saturday afternoon due to a suspected technical fault, and all passengers on board are safe, said officials. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was informed of the incident. A team from the Directorate of Air Safety (North Region) is being dispatched to the site for an on-ground assessment of the aircraft and the cause of the malfunction. Officials said the helicopter has been secured at the site and further investigation will reveal the exact cause of the suspected control malfunction. Soon after take-off, the pilot, Captain RPS Sodhi, detected a suspected malfunction in the helicopter's collective control - a critical component that manages the aircraft's lift. In response, he executed a precautionary hard landing on a road just below the Bharasu helipad. According to Uttarakhand ADG (Law and Order) Dr V Murugesan, all passengers on board are safe. The pilot reported a backache after the landing and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. "There is no report of any casualties. The situation was handled efficiently, and the pilot made a safe landing," he said. The CEO of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) confirmed that the helicopter, while flying from Sirsi with passengers, opted to land on a road near the helipad instead of returning to or landing on the designated helipad itself. The helicopter, an AW119 operated by Kestrel Aviation Private Limited (registration VT-RNK), is a single-engine model designed for high-altitude operations. It is part of the fleet used for shuttle services to Kedarnath during the annual Char Dham Yatra. These services are especially vital during peak pilgrimage season, allowing devotees to access the Himalayan shrine with relative ease and speed. The UCADA CEO confirmed that all other helicopter operations to Kedarnath are proceeding as per schedule and there has been no disruption.
Deccan Herald
8 hours ago
- Deccan Herald
Helicopter on way to Kedarnath crashlands on highway, all 6 onboard safe
It is for the fourth time in a month that pilgrims travelling by air on the Char Dham Yatra route had a close shave.
India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Chardham Yatra 2025: Must-have essentials to stay safe in rain and snow
The Chardham Yatra, covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, takes you through the unpredictable weather and rugged terrain of the Himalayas. To stay safe and comfortable in rain and snow, careful packing and preparation are a comprehensive list of must-have essentials, based on the latest recommendations for IS KEYThermal Wear: Essential for cold mornings and nights at high Jackets or Woolen Sweaters: Lightweight but warm, ideal for & Waterproof Outer Layer: A raincoat, poncho, or windcheater protects against rain, snow, and cold Trekking Pants: Avoid denim; opt for quick-dry or woolen pants that dry fast and retain Socks, Gloves, Beanies, and Scarves: Crucial for retaining body heat, especially in Kedarnath and during Layers for Kids and Elders: Children and seniors are more susceptible to cold, so pack extra warm SAFETY AND COMFORT Sturdy, Waterproof Trekking Shoes: Good grip is vital for slippery, uneven paths; anti-slip soles are recommended for monsoon and Pair of Socks: Keep feet dry and warm, especially after walking in wet AND SNOW PROTECTIONRaincoat or Poncho: Lightweight and foldable for sudden Compact, for short walks and temple Backpack and Rain Cover: Protects your belongings from getting Covers for Electronics: Keep phones and cameras safe from water AND SAFETY ESSENTIALSFirst Aid Kit: Include personal medicines, antiseptics, pain relievers, bandages, and rehydration Sickness Medication: Consult your doctor and carry prescribed medicines for high-altitude Medical Certificate and Documents: Required for registration and Stick: Provides stability on steep and slippery trails, especially during rain or Water Bag: Useful for warmth in extreme cold (especially in winter months).OTHER PRACTICAL ITEMSadvertisementWater Bottle and Hydration Pack: Staying hydrated is critical at high Snacks: Carry energy bars, dry fruits, and light snacks for energy on the and Sunglasses: Protect against UV rays, which are strong at high altitudes, even in cloudy Proof and Yatra Registration Slip: Mandatory for travel and Bank: For charging devices, as electricity may be unreliable in remote Luggage: Especially important for seniors and helicopter TIPS FOR RAIN AND SNOWAvoid Monsoon Travel: If possible, plan your yatra outside the peak monsoon (June–September) to reduce landslide and road closure Daily Weather Alerts: Stay updated on weather conditions and follow local Insurance: Consider insurance that covers weather-related delays and emergencies.
