High-Tech Safety Net: ISRO to Guard Kedarnath Helicopter Services With Digital Shield
Dehradun(The Uttam Hindu): Helicopter services in the treacherous Kedarnath valley will now be shielded by cutting-edge technology from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). With this system in place, live tracking of helicopters, along with real-time weather and terrain updates, will be directly available to both pilots and the control room — making the pilgrimage safer and smoother than ever before.
The Uttarakhand government had sought ISRO’s expertise to strengthen helicopter safety in Kedarnath, a request that the space agency has accepted. Civil Aviation Secretary Sachin Kurve confirmed that a team of ISRO experts will visit Uttarakhand within the next fortnight.
This decision follows the tragic helicopter accident in Kedarnath on June 15 this year. In response, the government decided to develop a foolproof safety mechanism with ISRO’s support.
How will the “Digital Shield” work?
ISRO will create a special Digital Elevation Model (DEM) linked directly to GPS systems. This will allow control room officials to track the exact location of every helicopter in real-time. Pilots will simultaneously receive critical updates on terrain elevation, geographical conditions, and rapidly changing weather patterns, enabling them to fly more safely even in adverse situations.
The system will also provide early alerts about potential risks, helping avoid accidents. Sachin Kurve added that ISRO will soon test its equipment in Uttarakhand. The trial, initially planned for August, was postponed due to natural disasters but is now expected to take place shortly, after which installation will move forward quickly.
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