alarming-rise-in-chopper-crashes-in-u-khand-sparks-safety-concern

Uttarakhand has seen a worrying rise in helicopter crashes in recent years, especially on the Char Dham Yatra route. Social activist Anoop Nautiyal, referring to official data, said the state has reported the highest number of such incidents in the country over the last five years.

 

Between May and June this year alone, five helicopter accidents took place in the hill state. Quoting a Rajya Sabha response by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Nautiyal pointed out that out of 12 major helicopter crashes across India, seven happened in Uttarakhand, causing 21 of the 30 total deaths.

 

He criticised the authorities for focusing more on boosting tourist numbers than on passenger safety. Nautiyal has demanded a full safety audit of all helipad operations in the state. He urged both state and Central aviation authorities to act quickly and make human safety the top priority over tourism targets.