Helicopter services for the second phase of the Kedarnath Dham pilgrresumed in Rudraprayag on Tuesday, with private operators flying from 8 designated helipads. The restart followed inspections by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and approval based on safety and operational arrangements.
District Magistrate Vishal Mishra said DGCA teams examined the helipads and facilities before granting permission for flights. The district administration will continue monitoring the service during the pilgr.
Flights to depend on weather and safety conditions
Authorities will regularly assess weather, visibility and wind speed, along with other conditions that could affect flight operations. If adverse weather or another risk emerges, decisions on flights will be taken according to safety requirements.
Helicopter companies have also been instructed to provide passengers with facilities that meet the prescribed standards. They have been told to give particular attention to passenger safety arrangements during the service.
Officials review wider pilgrpreparations
Preparations for the second phase of the Kedarnath Yatra, which begins after the monsoon, have also been accelerated. District in-charge minister Ganesh Joshi reviewed arrangements with officials through a video conference.
Joshi directed departments to complete preparations within the scheduled time, keeping in mind the possibility of a rise in pilgrim numbers. He asked officials to remain on alert and strengthen facilities along the travel route and trekking path.
The review covered healthcare, sanitation and drinking water arrangements. During inspections of the route, officials were specifically instructed to check toilet cleanliness and the availability of drinking water.
Authorities were also asked to maintain adequate stocks of food supplies and gas cylinders along the route and at major stopovers. Health centres must have sufficient medicines and equipment, while the deployment of doctors and health workers should remain properly managed.
Conclusion
Helicopter operations have resumed from 8 helipads after DGCA inspections, while the district administration continues safety monitoring and broader preparations for the second phase of the Kedarnath pilgr.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When did helicopter services for Kedarnath resume?
Helicopter services resumed on Tuesday during the second phase of the Kedarnath Dham pilgr.
Q. From how many helipads are flights operating?
Private helicopter operators are running flights from 8 designated helipads in the district.
Q. Who inspected the helipads before operations resumed?
Teams from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation inspected the helipads and related arrangements.
Q. What conditions may affect helicopter flights?
Weather, visibility, wind speed and other safety-related conditions may affect flight decisions.
Q. Who reviewed preparations for the second phase of the pilgr?
District in-charge minister Ganesh Joshi reviewed the arrangements with officials through a video conference.
Q. Which facilities are being reviewed along the pilgrroute?
The review includes the route and trekking path, healthcare, sanitation, drinking water, food supplies, gas cylinders, medicines and medical equipment.
