“No Compromise on Safety”: CM Dhami Orders Strict SOP for Chopper Operations After Gaurikund Crash

Dehradun (The Uttam Hindu): Taking the helicopter accidents in Uttarakhand seriously, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued strict instructions regarding the operation of heli services. Strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been ordered to be implemented to ensure the safety of helicopter operations in the state. Chief Minister Dhami said that it would be mandatory to conduct a complete check of the technical condition of the helicopter and get accurate weather information before flying.

Let us tell you that in case of any accident, the operation is stopped for some time. The safety standards of the service providing companies are re-checked. Operations are started only after that.

The Chief Minister has directed the Chief Secretary to constitute a committee of technical experts, which will prepare a comprehensive SOP by thoroughly reviewing all the technical and safety aspects of heli operations. The committee will ensure that the heli services are completely safe, transparent and in accordance with the prescribed standards. The committee has been asked to submit its report as soon as possible.

Also, Chief Minister Dhami has directed the high-level committee constituted to investigate the previous helicopter accidents to conduct a thorough investigation of the helicopter crash that took place on Sunday. This committee will deeply analyze the causes of each incident and identify the guilty persons or institutions and recommend strict action against them. Dhami said that heli services are important for pilgrimage, disaster management and emergency services, so safety will be given top priority in these.

On Sunday, a helicopter of Aryan Aviation company crashed. It was going to Gaurikund carrying devotees from Kedarnath temple. According to Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UKADA), the passengers on board the helicopter were from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The helicopter had Captain Rajbir Singh Chauhan (pilot), resident of Jaipur, Vikram Rawat (resident of BKTC, Rasi Ukhimath), Vinod Devi (Uttar Pradesh, age 66 years), Trishti Singh (Uttar Pradesh, age 19 years), Rajkumar Suresh Jaiswal (Gujarat, age 41 years), Shraddha Jaiswal (Maharashtra) and a girl child Rashi.

Expressing condolences to the affected passengers, Chief Minister Dhami said that the state government would provide all possible assistance to them. He directed the officials to conduct a quick investigation into the causes of the accident and take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in future. Dhami stressed that the operation of heli services should be completely safe so that the confidence of pilgrims and people dependent on emergency services remains intact.

Helicopter services in Uttarakhand are an important part of the Char Dham Yatra and disaster management. These instructions of the Chief Minister are expected to increase safety and accountability in heli operations, which will prevent such accidents in future.