Helicopter services to Kedarnath Temple have been repeatedly affected because of bad weather in the region. For passenger safety, the administration and helicopter operators have suspended flight operations.
Authorities have urged devotees to stay patient and keep checking official updates on the resumption of services. A large number of pilgrims are using heli services to visit Baba Kedar, but unpredictable weather in the Kedarnath valley, especially in the afternoon, is forcing flight operations to be suspended temporarily.
As helicopter services remain disrupted due to bad weather, many devotes are waiting for the next day’s flights, while some are stuck overnight in Kedarnath.
Strict guidelines have been issued by the administration for helicopter operations, with officials stating that passenger safety is the top priority. Pilgrims have been advised to schedule their journey as per weather conditions.
Rudraprayag DM Vishal Mishra said, “The weather in Kedarnath can turn bad at any time and keeping in view the safety of the pilgrims, the heli services are stopped as per the guidelines the heli operators have been instructed to help the pilgrims travelling by our heli services as much as possible and to fulfill all the basic facilities and needs of them and help them so that they can have darshan on time."
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Rudraprayag district administration intensified its cleanliness drive along the Kedarnath pilgrimage route and collected around 25 tonnes of waste so far to maintain hygiene and ensure an eco-friendly yatra, officials said.
As per the district administration, sanitation workers are continuously conducting cleaning operations from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Dham during the ongoing pilgrimage. Waste spread along the trekking route and temple premises is being regularly collected and disposed of using scientific methods.
Officials said around 25 tonnes of waste have been collected so far. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste along the route is being segregated separately to maintain cleanliness and protect the environment. Plastic waste is also being sent for recycling. The administration said the cleanliness drive for an eco-friendly Kedarnath Yatra will continue.
Also read: Former Uttarakhand CM Khanduri passes away at 91
Follow us
