6k tickets cancelled, Kedarnath choppers to be grounded till Sept 15
Dehradun: Chopper operations to Kedarnath remained suspended for the seventh straight day on Saturday after a crash killed seven people on June 15, grounding eight operators, cancelling thousands of bookings and causing financial losses over Rs 4 crore in Rudraprayag district.
Sources said helicopter services are expected to resume only around Sept 15, after the end of the monsoon season.
District tourism officer Rahul Chaubey said no bookings were made beyond June 22 due to the halt, which was initiated in the wake of monsoon and pending safety directives. Chaubey, who also oversees helicopter services on the Kedarnath route, said, "Around 900 tickets are being cancelled each day as the choppers are not operating since June 15, which means anything between 5,400 to 6,000 tickets have been cancelled in this duration.
We are waiting for instructions from U ttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) before proceeding any further."
Since the Kedarnath yatra began, 56,044 pilgrims have taken helicopter rides from Guptkashi, Sirsi and Phata, while 54,209 have returned from Kedarnath to these helipads. The June 15 incident was the fifth helicopter-related mishap on the Char Dham route in 45 days. On May 8, six people died in a crash near Gangotri
In response to the rising number of crashes, Uttarakhand high court took suo motu cognisance of the June 15 incident and sought a reply from the state on safety lapses.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah?
IC Markets
Mendaftar
Undo
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed the implementation of stricter norms, including the deployment of twin-engine helicopters, mandatory real-time weather cameras, and regular fitness checks for choppers. He also ordered a command-and-control centre to be set up in Dehradun.
Environmental concerns have also surfaced, with residents and activists flagging the ecological toll of frequent helicopter traffic on the fragile Himalayan region, calling for operations to be suspended until proper safeguards are enforced.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
7 ancient stepwells that are architectural marvels
Ancient Indian stepwells, known as baolis, vavs, or bawdis, are remarkable examples of India's traditional water management and architectural genius. Built deep into the earth with steps leading down to the water, these structures were practical solutions for water storage. Here are 7 ancient stepwells that are true architectural marvels. 1. Rani ki Vav , Gujarat In the 11th century, Queen Udayamati constructed Rani ki Vav as a memorial to King Bhimdev I. Rani ki Vav is a UNESCO World Heritage monument and among India's best stepwells. Designed in the form of an inverted temple, it has more than 500 sculptures and 1,000 small carvings, predominantly of Lord Vishnu. 2. Chand Baori , Rajasthan Standing in the village of Abhaneri, Chand Baori is India's deepest stepwell that goes down 100 feet with 3,500 steps and 13 levels. Constructed during the 8th and 9th centuries by King Chanda of the Nikumbh dynasty, its haunting beauty has no match. It has a temple nearby dedicated to Harshat Mata, the goddess of joy. 3. Adalaj Stepwell , Gujarat This five-story stepwell at Adalaj, just outside Ahmedabad, was finished in 1499. Built by Rana Veer Singh for his wife Rani Roopba, it was subsequently completed by the victorious Muslim king Muhammad Begda upon Singh's death. Sadly, the queen took her own life in this well. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Dumbest Things Middle-Class Americans Waste Money On FinanceBuzz Undo The structure has stunning Indo-Islamic architecture with ornate pillars and intricate carvings. 4. Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi Concealed in the midst of Delhi, Agrasen ki Baoli is a 60-meter-long and 15-meter-wide stepwell. It is said to have existed since the time of the Mahabharata and was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agrawal community. Its arcaded niches and symmetrical steps attract photographers and filmmakers alike. The baoli is still shrouded in mystery and has stories of ghostly activity attached to it. 5. Toorji ka Jhalra, Jodhpur Built in the 18th century by a queen of Maharaja Abhay Singh, Toorji ka Jhalra is a stunning stepwell in Jodhpur made up of all rose-red sandstone. It was unearthed and restored in recent times and is now a peaceful place hidden within the chaotic old city. It is a well-known tourist destination and cultural heritage site today. 6. Nahargarh Stepwell, Jaipur Constructed in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the Nahargarh stepwells are special for their uneven construction as per the natural slope of the Aravalli hills. These wells form a part of a smart catchment system, as canals harvest rainwater from the hills and lead it into the wells. The larger stepwell was featured in the Bollywood movie Rang De Basanti. 7. Shahi Baoli , Lucknow Situated at the Bada Imambara complex in Lucknow, Shahi Baoli is an 18th-century imperial stepwell ordered by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. It was first constructed to provide water for use in construction processes. Then it was converted into an elegant guesthouse with fountains and marble floors. Its intelligent design gives visitors' reflections in the water before they approach. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Country's first mangrove park at Gorai set to open in next two months; entry won't be free
The country's first mangrove park, which is being constructed at Gorai at a cost of over Rs 33 crore, will have an entry fee, officials said. The park is in the final stages of construction and will be opened for the public in the next two months most likely before August 15, the officials added. The park, sprawling over 8 hectares in Gorai village, is being built by the Mangrove Cell of the state government. The park will comprise several elements that will enable visitors to walk through, experience and learn about the mangrove ecosystem and learn about its unique biodiversity. A key feature of the park is a 750-metre-long wooden boardwalk that traverses through mangroves. At the end of the walkway lies a viewing deck, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding creek. Similar to the newly opened nature trail in Malabar Hills, this elevated walkway was built without disturbing the mangrove ecosystem. 'We have sent a proposal to the state government to implement an entry fee. The revenue generated will be used on maintenance and upkeep of the park. The proposal is yet to be cleared by the government following which ticket rates will be fixed,' said a senior official from the state forest department. 'At present, the final stages of construction are in progress like polishing the surface, final painting works and setting up lighting and other ancillary details. We expect these works to be completed in the next one month. After that the park will be opened to the public,' the official said. Built at a cost of Rs 33.43 crore, construction began in 2021 and the project was earmarked as a forest reserve. For bird watchers, the project also has an 18-metre-tall watch tower, allowing visitors to observe the avian species that thrive in the area. The watchtower also offers expansive views of the mangroves and creek. Also, in a bid to impart vital education and recreation, the Mangrove Cell has also constructed a two-storey Nature Interpretation Centre. Here, visitors can read and learn about mangroves and its biodiversity through informative boards, panels, and books at the library and information centre. Additionally, the structure will feature a rooftop restaurant and a nature-themed gift shop. To ensure minimal impact on the fragile fauna and flora, the project was executed with eco-friendly materials, solar energy and elevated walkways. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Aaditya Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA and former environment minister, took to his social media profile X and claimed the project was originally mooted by him. 'Hearing that this Mangrove Park in Gorai that we started work on in October 2021, will finally be open to everyone soon. Happy to see that just like the Tree Top walk in Malabar Hill, Urban Forest in Marol that I had the honour and privilege to initiate as Minister in the MVA, this too, something I kickstarted, will open up soon for people,' he said in his post.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Exploring the wild wonders of Mammoth Lakes in California, U.S.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of California's Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Lakes is a scenic paradise showcasing Mother Nature's breathtaking work of rugged peaks, alpine forests, and crystal-clear lakes. Exploring the area offers some of the most stunning and dramatic vistas while blending the thrill of outdoor adventures. Yosemite National Park A spectacular day trip, Yosemite National Park is just a 45-minute drive from Mammoth Lakes and is home to majestic waterfalls, enormous trees, endless hiking trails, and exotic wildlife. Tioga Pass serves as Yosemite National Park's eastern entrance into a world of nature and adventure. Spanning over 1000 square miles, sightseeing opportunities are ample with Yosemite Valley, the iconic Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, Nevada Falls, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, Cathedral Rocks, Sentinel Bridge, and much more. The Mariposa Grove near the park's southern entrance is the perfect spot to see the more than 500-year-old giant sequoias. There are 800 miles of trails in the park such as the Mirror Lake Trail, Panorama Trail, May Lake, and Cloud's Rest Trail. Mono Lake With a salinity level over three times that of the ocean, the 65 square-mile Mono Lake is a unique, inhospitable but beautiful environment that supports a diverse collection of wildlife. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo It began to form around 750,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest lakes in North America. Mono Lake is a sightseer's fairy tale, a nature lover's dream, and an outdoor adventurer's mecca. Whether launching kayaks through the tufa towers of Navy Beach or meandering along the boardwalks of the South Tufa Area during an evening sunset, there is a way for everyone to explore this unique area. Also, check out the modern Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center located just north of the small village of Lee Vining on U.S. Highway 395. The facility houses an incredible collection of interpretive exhibits presenting the ecology, geology, anthropology, and management of the Mono Lake Basin. Hot Creek One of Mammoth Lakes' scenic highlights is Hot Creek: a collection of natural hot springs within a river gorge offering incredible scenic displays. The creek's bubbling, mineral-rich water turns turquoise as it flows into pools edged with travertine rock layers, all shrouded in clouds of steam. Hike along the meandering trails alongside the creek to experience breathtaking geological processes that shaped the distinctive landscape of Eastern Sierra. Hot Creek also offers ample fishing opportunities throughout the year, especially fly-fishing during winter months. Inyo Craters The Inyo Craters were formed when groundwater contacted a large body of partially magmatic rock deep within the earth, generating steam and extreme amounts of pressure. The resulting cataclysmic explosion shot rocks miles into the air, wiped out the surrounding forest and left deep crater-like depressions as permanent scars on the landscape. Getting to Inyo Craters requires a short 0.7-mile hike from the parking area through stands of huge, old-growth ponderosa and Jeffrey pine. In the background, legendary Mammoth Mountain, and the jagged Minaret Range loom majestically. Flanked by steep cliffs, a small lake of turquoise-green water remains trapped in the bowels of the 200-foot-deep crater, coloured from dissolved minerals leaching from the surrounding volcanic rock walls. The second crater is just uphill from the first. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including a diverse collection of birds and a frequently sighted herd of mule deer. Earthquake Fault Positioned deep in the forest on rolling foothills flanking the base of Mammoth Mountain, this incredible fissure cuts through hard volcanic rock for several hundred feet and reaches a depth of up to 60 feet. The fracture is believed to have formed around 600 years ago during one of the recent Inyo/Mono Craters eruptions. The Earthquake Fault interpretive area, located on public lands administered by the Inyo National Forest marks the beginning of the self-guided interpretive trail. The short, family-friendly 0.3-mile hiking trail descends deep into the rocky bowels of the fault and winds through majestic stands of old-growth red fir, Jeffrey pine and lodgepole pine. Along the way, interpretive signs provide information about the natural history, ecology, and preservation of the area. The Earthquake Fault is a fantastic outdoor playground for enjoying picnics in the canopy of towering pines or setting off on a trek to the Minaret Vista on the 4-mile Mountain View Trail. The endless forests surrounding the Earthquake Fault offer a sightseeing adventure for all. Reds Meadow (Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls ) Located just 30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, the Reds Meadow is known for its Devils Postpile National Monument, 101-foot Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The valley is lined with granite boulders, Jeffery pines, and wildflowers. Resembling a tidy lumber pile created by giants, Devils Postpile's 60-foot basalt columns were formed when lava erupted in the valley nearly 100,000 years ago and filled the area to a depth of 400 feet. To hike Devils Postpile, take the half-mile trail to the base, then continue uphill to the formation's summit for incredible views. Or ramble the 2.5-mile route from the ranger station to 101-foot Rainbow Falls, the perfect spot for a mid-afternoon picnic. Anglers will find great trout fishing on the San Joaquin River, a designated Wild Trout River. Prime fishing spots can be found on the river's banks near the parking lot and further past Soda Springs Meadow. Devils Postpile is home to more than 100 species of birds and mammals, including black bears, pine martens, mule deer and coyotes making the area an excellent place for wildlife watching. Mammoth Lakes Basin The Mammoth Lakes Basin is another prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts amidst the majestic Sierra Nevada Range franked by towering pine forests, mountain streams, and blue lakes. The area offers a breathtaking display of wildflowers during springtime. Just minutes from downtown Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes Basin comprises over a dozen lakes, 50 miles of hiking trails, 5 campgrounds, and endless opportunities to explore making it a hotspot for hikers, campers, fishermen, paddleboarders, rock climbers and visitors. In winter, the forested shorelines become ideal for exploring on cross-country skis or snowshoes along the trails of the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
