A tragic helicopter crash near the Kedarnath shrine early Sunday morning claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including six pilgrims and the pilot. The chopper, operated by Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd, took off around 5:30 AM en route to Guptkashi but crashed due to poor visibility over Gaurikund forests.

In response, the Uttarakhand government has temporarily banned all Char Dham helicopter services. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed the formation of a technical expert committee to review safety protocols and draft strict SOPs. The committee will also investigate past and present heli accidents to ensure accountability and future safety.

Given the crucial role of heli services in pilgrimage and emergency situations, CM Dhami emphasized that passenger safety must remain top priority. The Civil Aviation Authority and DGCA are jointly overseeing the ongoing review.

This is the third heli-related incident in Uttarakhand within two months.